Westminster Council to rehome all families in overcrowded housing 'by 2014'

A London council has promised to rehouse all the households on its waiting list that live in cramped conditions.

Westminster Council has pledged to rehouse more than 1,000 families living in overcrowded accommodation by 2014.

The council has 3,327 households in priority need on its waiting list, including people with medical needs, in temporary accommodation, and families living in overcrowded conditions. It has 5,042 households on its waiting list overall.

The first 40 households living in the most severely overcrowded council homes will be moved by the end of the year.

During the run up to the 2014 deadline, around 350 new homes will become available in the borough through two new developments due for completion this summer. It is also looking to purchase new family sized homes in the north of the city.

Councillor Philippa Roe, cabinet member for housing, said: "The majority of families that live in overcrowded are families with young children and people can suffer from ill health, stress and family breakdown due to these circumstances.

"The future of these young people is being blighted by their living conditions and this can't go on.

"We are extremely pleased to announce that every family living in overcrowded conditions on our current waiting list will be offered alternative accommodation within the next five years, with the most hard pressed being helped in the next 12 months."