In his annual conference speech, National Housing Federation (NHF) Chief Executive David Orr warned that the allocations system for social housing is in urgent need of reform.
The reform of allocations is one of the main proposals of the NHF's election manifesto, which was launched by Mr Orr in his speech.
Mr Orr gave details of exclusive poll results, showing that many people on lower-to-middle incomes believe they have little or no chance of getting a social home - with many also not understanding how they are allocated.
The poll was commissioned for the NHF and carried out by Populus. The results show that there is a desperate need for a radical overhaul of the way social homes are allocated to make the system fairer and more transparent.
Mr Orr also argued that the system needs to be changed so that it is easier for working people to benefit from social housing.
In his speech, Mr Orr said:
"The chronic shortage of social homes in this country has created an allocations system whereby only the most desperate and vulnerable have a realistic chance of getting a home.
"This creates neighbourhoods where the most vulnerable and marginalised are housed together, resulting in areas of high economic inactivity, poverty and disadvantage.
"Under our draft proposals, more mixed communities would be created, tenants would have a choice over where they live, and we would avoid the pitfall of pushing the most vulnerable people into the same areas."
Under the proposals, outlined in the NHF's housing election manifesto:
Mr Orr also told delegates:
"The public needs to understand how homes are allocated and have confidence that the system is fair and transparent."
The manifesto and further information is published on the NHF website at www.housing.org.uk/manifesto.
