A waiting list of thousands, and just five new homes for social rent: this city shows the depth of Britain's housing crisis | John Harris

"Here is the dream, if you can afford it: gleaming apartments, close to Liverpool's waterfront, complete with penthouse swimming pools with views of the north Wales mountains, and sumptuous rooftop gardens. They are mostly bought by investors who then rent them to local professionals: three years ago, a report on early sales of flats in one development said that 40% of early buyers were from Australia, China or Singapore."

"Every Monday night, a charity called Liverpool In Arms hands out food in the city centre, to queues of people. Some are homeless; others have a house or flat to live in, but can't afford to eat. While I was reporting on the city's housing crisis for the Guardian's video series Anywhere But Westminster, I watched its volunteers in action for the best part of an hour: they told me the need they try to meet has doubled since last year."

"The same was true of Jimmy, who was sleeping rough, and described being endlessly tortured by one of the city council's cruellest policies: its insistence on summarily disposing of people's tents, with everything they contain. The city that reveals Britain's biggest problem: there's nowhere to live video I asked him about the prospect of somewhere permanent to stay, and his eyes filled up."

Gleaming waterfront apartments advertise penthouse pools and rooftop gardens, and many are purchased by investors who rent to local professionals. A report on early sales said 40% of early buyers were from Australia, China or Singapore. Ten minutes away, a charity called Liverpool In Arms hands out food to queues of people every Monday night. The charity reports that need has doubled since last year. A man in his fifties lost his home after failing to pay a £20 weekly surcharge and rent, then had benefits withdrawn by the Department for Work and Pensions' sanctioning regime. A rough sleeper named Jimmy said the council summarily disposes of tents and belongings, and a refuge advice service serves many fragile lives.

Read at www.theguardian.com