Shelter has warned that thousands of families are being torn apart by overcrowded  conditions, and that thousands more will suffer unless urgent action is taken to tackle the country's overcrowding crisis.

The warning comes on the day the charity publishes a new report Crowded House revealing that almost one in ten children (905,000)  are now living in overcrowded conditions.

The report is calling for greater investment in affordable, family-sized homes.

Stakeholder Response: Shelter

Adam Sampson, director of Shelter, said: "Young people and children need room to grow and their health, education and well-being are being damaged by the miserable and overcrowded conditions they are forced to live in.

"A lack of space and privacy is destroying their relationships with their parents and brothers and sisters.

"Overcrowding must be tackled to prevent future generations of children being permanently scarred."

Stakeholder Response: Construction Products Association

Chris Bennett, external affairs executive at the Construction Products Association, said: