I have just read another report that said the UK will fall significantly short of its target 300,000 homes to be built in 2018.

I'm sure that is no surprise to many of us who have the responsibility for housing and local strategic plans. What lies behind every shortfall is an individual or family who will remain without an adequate roof over their head. Young or old, working or retired, it is the basic human need for shelter, good health and a safe environment which has to be the over-riding outcome of any Government policy or building programme.