3.5 million people poorly housed

THREE and a half million people in France live in sub-standard conditions due to rising rents and a lack of social housing, a new report has found.

The Fondation Abbé Pierre - part of the Emmaüs welfare charity - said another six million people were at risk of losing their home as they struggle to make ends meet.

The group's research found housing costs rose by almost a quarter between 2002 and 2007. The average rent in the private sector is now €700 a month, up 32% in the same period.

The foundation says 1.5 million people are on the waiting list for social housing - and only 43,000 affordable homes are built each year.

It is calling on the government to include a quota of 30% low-rent housing in every new-build project made up of 10 homes or more - as well as better protection for tenants against rent increases.