Housing minister, Caroline Flint, has backed calls from the British Property Federation (BPF) for a greater focus on professional rented housing.

Speaking at a Citizens' Advice Bureau fringe event, Ms Flint said that Britain had been focused on ownership since Margaret Thatcher introduced Right to Buy. She said traditional labour supporters had, "voted with their feet", by changing allegiance.

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However there was agreement that an improved rental sector could deliver better quality homes, and security of tenure, for those seeking accommodation.

Ms Flint's support for the professional rental sector comes as figures are published showing a 65% rise in demand for rented homes over the last year.

Ms Flint said: "I do believe there is a role for local authorities in helping the rented sector. In Norwich already they are organising a centrally managed agency where they can work with landlords to sign up to a partnership with them in terms of providing extra capacity for social housing. I also recognise that a lot of larger property firms that are currently developing offices and retail centres are interested in the rental sector. There are many good ideas floating about."

(CD/JM)