Gravesham has about 3, 180 households on its waiting list, with an average nine month wait for a three-bedroom flat and two years for a four-bedroom house.

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She lives in a one-bedroom flat with her three-year-old son, Dylan, in Dukinfield, Greater Manchester.

BBC: MPs urge readiness over housing benefit cut risks

The 2, 700-square-foot, two-bedroom flat is spread across three levels.

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Stacey Jackson, who lives with her three children and partner in a two-bedroom housing association flat, has complained to the council about problems with damp and black mould.

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She shares the bedroom with her son, and has been trying to move to a bigger flat for three years - since becoming pregnant.

BBC: MPs urge readiness over housing benefit cut risks