NEW statistics from the National Housing Federation have revealed the impact of the recession on the nation’s housing.

The figures show that the demand for affordable housing has increased during the economic downturn.

And house prices themselves have remained relatively high.

In Crewe and Nantwich the average house price has increased from £55,632 in 1998 to £145,947 in 2008 – an increase of 162%.

With average earnings at only £18,321 a year house prices are now eight times the average salary.

The National Housing Federation say that this has created a 'national crisis of affordability' in housing with many people unable to get onto the housing ladder and growing waiting lists for social housing.

Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson said: “I just don’t see how a person on a low or average income in Crewe and Nantwich could afford to buy a house, and this puts real pressure on social housing.

“This makes recent announcements by my colleague, the shadow housing minister Grant Shapps even more timely.

“Last week Grant set out his vision for the future of social housing, announcing plans to increase the mobility of social tenants and ease waiting lists in the worst affected areas.”