Recent figures from the 2021 census have revealed a significant overcrowding issue in Mendip, with nearly 1,000 households affected.

Campaign groups attribute this to the slow pace of housebuilding and soaring rents throughout England and Wales.

In Mendip, about 945 homes, accounting for 1.9% of all residences in the area, were identified as overcrowded.

In stark contrast, a substantial 76.9% of homes, or 38,660 properties, were deemed 'under-occupied', meaning they had extra rooms available.

Overcrowding is assessed based on the number of rooms in a residence and their suitability for the number of occupants. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) data indicate that renters, particularly social renters, are more prone to overcrowding. In Mendip, 6.4% of social renters are struggling for space.

Ben Twomey, chief executive of Generation Rent, a campaigning group, said: "If you have children or are an older renter, being forced into an overcrowded house can be particularly stressful." About 495 households with dependent children in Mendip were reported to be affected by this lack of space.

The issue of overcrowding disproportionately affects certain demographic groups. Across England, households with black backgrounds experienced the highest overcrowding rates, at 16.1%, in comparison to 4.4% across the general population. Additionally, Muslim households are five times more likely to be overcrowded.

Sam Tims, a senior economist at the New Economics Foundation, commented on the housing conditions, saying, "Every family deserves to live in an affordable and comfortable home... yet, over two-thirds of houses across the country are under-occupied." He further noted that the "miserly" welfare system is exacerbating the overcrowding problem.

London reports the highest overcrowding rates in England and Wales, with the top 10 most crowded areas located in the capital and Slough in its commuter belt.

Both the New Economics Foundation and Generation Rent advocate for the construction of more social homes as a primary solution to the overcrowding issue.