Housing charity Shelter has claimed that more than a million children are suffering from poor health and education because of overcrowding resulting from the government's property policy.

"There is a hidden housing crisis in Britain and over a million children are suffering the devastating consequences on their health, their education and their chances in life," said director Adam Sampson.

However the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister disputed the claim.

"The approach they are taking is that they want everything resolved tonight," said a spokesman.

"It just can't be done. We recognise that there are overcrowding issues and we recognise there are health issues. It's not something we can do overnight. We need to consult over this."