BARNET has the longest waiting list for council accommodation of any council in Britain according to figures from one homeless charity.

The figures, which are based on 2008/9 data say it would take more than 33 years to house the 13,982 households on the waiting list.

However, in the last six months the list has grown to 17,505 households creating more problems for the authority, which has blamed the increase on the recession.

Councillor Richard Cornelius, who is in charge of housing in the borough, said the council is working to bring the numbers down, but the large waiting list reflects Barnet as a desirable place to live.

He said: “Barnet is building more homes than any other borough to meet the needs of its population but once that is complete our borough will be full. “We are already working to replace the dysfunctional housing list system so that it reflects need and local connection. “Where there is real need we also have the option of placing people and families in private rented accommodation.”

A spokesman for the council said the housing department is working to prioritise the list, with about 2,500 people currently in temporary accommodation having the highest priority.

He added the list includes tenants from other authorities who have no urgent housing need but have expressed a desire to live in Barnet.

Cllr Alison Moore, the Labour group leader said the Tory run authority is not doing enough to help those most in need.

She added: “The housing situation in Barnet is a disgrace that cannot be blamed on the recession alone.   “Barnet delivered the lowest percentage of affordable homes in London in the year before the recession – what was their excuse then?

“This situation is down to one thing and one thing only – a complete lack of commitment over a number of years by Barnet’s Conservative council to build affordable homes for rent.

“It’s a damning indictment of their persistent lack of responsibility for the wider community in Barnet.”

However, outgoing council leader Cllr Mike Freer, who will run against Cllr Moore for the Finchley and Golders Green seat at the next general election, said her comments showed Labour is the “enemy of aspiration”.

He said: “Labour are clinging to a hopelessly outdated way of providing affordable housing which has been rejected time and time again by people at the ballot box.

“We share residents’ aspirations and refuse to go back to the days of building soulless social rented blocks.”

He said the council is committed to brining in more social housing, citing the Brent Cross Cricklewood development approved last month as an example of this.