FILMMAKER Ken Loach backed Jeremy Corbyn’s radical plan yesterday to address Britain’s housing crisis by giving councils the right to commission the building of new homes.

As part of his Vision for Britain 2020, a Labour Party run by Mr Corbyn would promote council-funded, energy-efficient building projects to meet the demand for reasonably priced housing in their areas.

The idea from the left Labour leadership favourite has received star support from Mr Loach, who rose to fame after his groundbreaking 1960s documentary about Britain’s housing crisis — Cathy Come Home.

“Jeremy Corbyn, true to the best traditions of Labour, has a realistic plan to build new homes. Councils should have the power to plan and build good houses, (which are) environmentally sound, with proper infrastructure,” said Mr Loach.

Mr Corbyn has also vowed to link private rents to local average earnings and license and regulate landlords to ensure decent housing conditions.