More than 40% of young families in West Lancashire have to look at renting because they can't afford to buy a home - despite a drop in property prices.

That's according to statistics from a Government housing advisory body, which show that 41.5% of families under 40 could not afford to buy a home.

The actual statistics for families under 40 in West Lancashire could be worse because the National Housing and Planning Advice Unit (NHPAU) figures, which are for 2008, assume that buyers would only be looking at a five per cent deposit.

Although the figures for West Lancashire are better than the statistics for England which showed 73.9% of young families can't get on the property ladder.

The study concluded: “During the past decade there has been a deterioration in the affordability of home ownership.”

Housing charity Shelter have called the figures “shocking” and wants the topic of affordable housing to be a key political issue in the run up to the General election.

The Conservatives have been critical of the Government following the release of the figures.

Grant Shapps, Tory housing spokesman, said: “Thanks to Gordon Brown, three out of four young families have been kicked off the first rung of the housing ladder, urged on by Labour ministers who want to attack the aspiration of home ownership.”

NHPAU is linked and sponsored by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) and its aim is to try and ensure homes are more affordable in England.

A DCLG spokesperson said they have schemes in place for householders earning up to £60,000 who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford to buy.

By Henry James