UK housing market is in trouble, Countrywide the largest real-estate group is having major problems because people cannot afford to purchase homes. The government is manipulating the statistical calculations, it doesn't matter how much it is manipulated because it will change the fact the economy is falling apart and the people actually feel it. What is happening now is to prepare for the economic transition, the more individuals off of government programs the less chance of riots etc. The government will not be able to assist people once the system breaks down.