A tiny “home” being advertised in Oldham for rental has been condemned by a local councillor as the worst example they have seen of substandard housing.

The “home” is a tiny garden shed with just enough room for a foldaway bed and a chemical toilet.

Lib Dem Councillor Sam Al-Hamdani said: “This is shocking. We have seen more and more examples of standards falling, with regulations being weakened to ‘increase development’ – unfortunately at any cost.”

The Housing and Homelessness Shadow Cabinet Member continued: “We recently introduced a motion to Oldham Council about housing standards that breach human rights. It seems unthinkable that we should have to do so.

“I cannot believe that people think that they can get away with this. This is no way for someone to live. This shows what happens when regulations are slashed and there is insufficient enforcement of the rules.

“This taking advantage of people who have no alternative.

“This Government must introduce minimum standards that stop this ever being considered again. We need more funding for brownfield development, and a proper housebuilding programme where those houses are needed.

“I am sick and tired of hearing about three- and four-bedroom houses on open spaces, instead of affordable homes on brownfield sites. This can change. It must.”