Swindon’s council housing crisis has triggered a heated local debate, with many people left waiting for homes.

A shortage of council houses in Swindon means demand now far outstrips supply, leaving thousands in limbo.

There are more than 2,700 individuals and families waiting for council houses in the town, which is more than 25 per cent higher than Swindon Borough Council’s social housing provision – it owns 10,440 homes.

Many locals say sell-offs and demolitions, coupled with sluggish construction rates, have made things worse.

This has happened because to increase stock the council sometimes buys back a home it has previously sold under the Right to Buy scheme, which is costing the council hundreds of thousands of pounds.

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Among residents, there is fierce disagreement about why Swindon finds itself here.

On social media, many pointed fingers at the Right to Buy scheme, which saw council homes sold to tenants, sometimes at heavy discounts.

Dan Bull, said: “Do you think it’s because they sold it all half........

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