Plans to tackle Oldham's housing crisis have been laid out as families struggle to pay their mortgages and rent.

Oldham's Labour group has criticised the government's housing and planning policies, or lack of, ahead of the council's full meeting on Wednesday.

Among its criticisms, members claim there has been "complete confusion" surrounding the government's housing plan following the collapse of the mini-budget and former Prime Minister Liz Truss's resignation.

Yet mortgage interest payments have hiked since the announcement of the mini-budget, leaving many residents worried about their ability to keep their home while first-time buyers are struggling to get onto the property ladder.

Private renters are also facing rent increases and uncertainty, yet the government is yet to abolish Section 21 evictions despite it being a Conservative 2019 manifesto commitment.

Section 21 evictions, otherwise known as "no-fault evictions", allow landlords to evict tenants without giving a reason and are considered to be a leading driver of homelessness.

Oldham Labour further highlighted the need for more social housing in the borough, the demand for which has risen by a quarter in the past year with more than 7,000 households now on the Housing Register waiting for a social home.

Councillors claim the government is refusing to fund more social housing, leaving many families to rely on private landlords and developers to fill the gap.

But ongoing policy uncertainty means developers are reluctant to commit to new schemes while the target of 10 per cent of affordable homes on developments over 10 homes is often not met, according to Oldham Labour.

Cllr Kyle Phythian, housing lead for Oldham Council, called on the government to tackle the housing crisis by abolishing Section 21 evictions and giving more support to councils to build social housing.

Cllr Phythian added: “Our six-point plan includes asking for help to be put in place for mortgage payers who are threatened with losing their home because of Tory mismanagement of the economy.

“The Tories have already watered down requirements for developers to provide affordable homes and this must stop.

“Labour is pushing ahead to provide as many truly affordable homes as possible, making a start on Derker and Southlink, but we need the government to step up and help us do more.”

Cllr Amanda Chadderton, leader of the council, said Labour's action plan would reform the planning system to give local authorities democratic control and would bring an end to "land banking" by developers.

She added: “It is clear that the best solution to Oldham’s housing crisis is a Labour government committed to a reformed private rented sector that works for renters and good landlords, helping us build good quality social homes at rents people can afford to pay and help for first time buyers and homeowners including abolishing leasehold as a tenure.

“While we wait to be given a say in a general election, we will push hard for changes to help us deliver the homes Oldham needs."

A spokesperson for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said: “Our £11.5 billion Affordable Homes Programme will help to deliver more of the affordable homes this country needs.

“Between 2010 and 2021, over 1,200 affordable homes have been built in Oldham.

“We are absolutely committed to delivering a fairer deal for renters and will bring forward legislation in due course."