Liberal Democrats will outline plans to tackle the housing crisis, stimulate the economy and generate jobs at Autumn Conference next month.

The proposals, outlined in housing policy paper Decent Homes for All, would see up to 300,000 homes being built annually and provide greater powers for tenants and local councils.

The proposals include:

•Building up to 300,000 new houses by supporting investment and giving local authorities and social landlords more freedom to build

•Increasing protection for private tenants by promoting longer tenancies and cracking down on rogue landlords

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•Giving local authorities more power to control second homes and bring empty homes back into use.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Simon Hughes MP said: "Successive governments have failed to address what is now a housing crisis.

"A shortage of homes has made it impossible for many to get on the housing ladder and has seen rents, especially in big cities, rise to historic and unaffordable highs.

"That's why Liberal Democrats have outlined our most ambitious ever proposals for building the new homes Britain needs.

"Building 300,000 new houses a year will ease demand, stimulate the economy and generate jobs. It's a win-win.

"We also want to give tenants more security and empower local councils to bring empty homes into use and end the scandal of overseas investors buying up property only to let it sit unoccupied.

"We need to be shamelessly ambitious if we are to tackle the problem head on. Everyone is entitled to a decent and affordable roof over their head and Liberal Democrats are committed to delivering it."

(CD/GK)