A family of seven is having to live in a one-bedroom flat in Hertfordshire because of a lack of council houses.

There are 2,500 families waiting for homes in Stevenage, but the borough council has only a few properties for rent.

The council says it is is feeling the effects of the right-to-buy policy.

In the 1980s it had 18,000 homes. Today it has half that number.

Moira Rega wants a four-bedroom house

Moira Rega shares a bedroom with three of her four children.

At weekends they have to make room for her oldest son when he is home from college.

The flat belongs to Mrs Rega's boyfriend, who also has a son. They sleep in the front room.

Until a few weeks ago Mrs Rega lived in a three-bedroom house but her landlord is selling the property.

Because Mrs Rega has a heart condition and epilepsy and is unable to work, her rent was paid by Stevenage Borough Council.

Social housing

She is eligible for a four-bedroom house, but the council said it could not help her.

Last year they had only 45 properties for 2,500 families on the housing waiting list.

The council's hopes for extra homes are pinned land west of Stevenage.

The land has been earmarked for 5,000 homes of which 1,000 would be for social housing.