I am confused about your inclusion of kitchens in the space calculation – that is not so in the Housing Acts I've read. My understanding is that bedrooms and living rooms are included and, depending on size, are judged to be suitable for a child under 10, two children under 10 or one person over 10, and so forth.

The issue of availability against demand does, however, bring into play the question of whether families are prepared to consider moving out of stress areas. London councils have been part of schemes such as London Authorities West and North for some time and it is paying dividends. It can be a wrench for some people but shouldn't families consider all the options? Waiting for parliament to change the rules or the council to conjure up a home is not necessarily the answer. If your local shop doesn't have the goods, perhaps you should try another.

Stuart Macdonald replies:

Kitchens are not mentioned in the Housing Acts but some councils do count them when they are large enough to be used as kitchen-dining rooms.

Source

Housing Today

Postscript

Andrew Wood, via email