Sign our overcrowding petition

The housing of poultry has been in the news recently. We believe that the welfare of animals is extremely important. But with one million children in England* growing up in stifling, cramped conditions, we think that the overcrowding law for people needs updating, too.

Some facts about the bird-brained overcrowding law

• It hasn’t been updated since 1935. Back then they thought that smoking was healthy, too.
• Living rooms and kitchens are considered acceptable sleeping spaces.
• Children under 10 count as half a person, and babies under one don’t count at all.
• According to the law, a family of five** living in a one-bedroom flat would not be classed as living in overcrowded accommodation.
• Shelter research has shown that overcrowding causes anxiety and depression, limits educational success and harms the health of children.
• Read more about overcrowding and get advice about it here 

We are calling on the Government to update the definition of overcrowding and bring it into line with modern day standards.

*This figure on overcrowding is according to the Bedroom Standard measure and not according to the 1935 legislation.
**Composed of a couple with one child under 12 months and two more children under 10 years.