WALTHAM Forest is a hot spot for households with three or more generations living together as the housing crisis deepens, a new study has found.

The study, carried about by FDS Research and sponsored by Lloyds TSB, showed that one household in 40 in Waltham Forest is multi-generational, putting the borough in the top 20 hot spots nationally.

It also showed that the problem could be a direct result of the economic downturn as levels of unemployment and debt continue to rise and that numbers of multi-generational households were higher in areas with large Asian populations.

Adam Sampson, chief executive of homeless charity Shelter, said: “The antiquated overcrowding standard hasn’t changed since 1935 and considers kitchens and living rooms as acceptable places to sleep.

“The Government pledged 2009 would be the year they updated it so it’s more urgent than ever they keep their word.”

The study also showed that multi-generational households are at greater risk of accidents in the home as elderly and young people are more likely to suffer an accident than the middle-aged.

Shelter’s own research also shows that living in overcrowded housing can be harmful to children’s health and can cause depression, anxiety and stress in the home.

But the council stated that its most recent assessment of housing needs showed that most households are not multi-generational.

Cabinet member for housing Cllr Marie Pye said: “This is something we haven’t picked up on - we’ve just done a huge market assessment and it showed we’ve got higher numbers of single person households than other places.”

Lloyds TSB is now running a campaign to help minimise the negative effects of living in multi-generational homes. For more information visit lloydstsb.com

Do you live with three or generations of your family? How has it affected you?

Call the newsdesk on 8498 3435 or email chack@london.newsquest.co.uk