MINISTERS must lift the shackles preventing councils from building new homes, CWU conference affirmed yesterday.

A motion calling for the union to start a campaign for genuinely affordable housing was passed unanimously, amid warnings that younger members were being plunged into financial hardship by rising rents.

Bristol delegate and executive member Kye Dudd said it was crucial for unions to be at the forefront of housing campaigns.

“If you cut the cost of housing for people, in effect you give them a pay rise, and that’s what trade unions are about,” he said.

Delegates slammed rip-off landlords for soaking up millions in state subsidies through housing benefit.

CWU youth chair Ben Abrams added: “The housing crisis is exacerbated by private landlords, and our members are at the sharp end of this.”

The motion called for a limiting of the Thatcher-era right to buy policy, which David Cameron has pledged to extend.