Minister for Housing needed urgently

creating a ticking time bomb as people continue to overstretch themselves with excessive mortgages and are liable to be left exposed if there is even a marginal increase in the rate of the economic downturn.

"We need a strong Minister for Housing who is not afraid to tackle the vested interests, who will put an end to the speculation that has led to the massive hike in costs of development land, and who will work closer with local authorities to ensure that there is adequate provision of social and affordable homes in all local authority areas."