Councils are key to tackling the housing crisis, says a new report from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and Local Government Association.<br> <br> Meeting Local Housing Demand gives the options that councils have for housing delivery and making housing a priority in local areas, including:<br> <br> Ensuring that councils have strong local plans Identifying local area public land suitable for development Adopting new approaches to delivering affordable housing <br> HCA and LGA gave examples of councils already embracing the opportunities, such as Leicestershire County Council which is using all of its New Homes Bonus for 2011/12 to aid the building of rural affordable homes.<br> <br> "The ticking housing time bomb in the country can be defused if councils are allowed to get on the front foot and utilise the options available to them," commented councillor David Parsons, chairman of the LGA's environment and housing board.<br> <br>