The need to build more new affordable homes has never been more pressing. About two million social homes in England have been sold off since 1980, with over 40% now owned by private landlords, according to the Chartered Institute of Housing. The number of social homes let by councils and housing associations has fallen by 24% since 1979, while a record 160,000 children now live in expensive and often unsuitable temporary accommodation. This is just plain wrong.