Other demands include government commitments on affordable housing and sustaining balanced and vibrant communities and a review of the planning system to increase the availability of land for homes.

BBC: NEWS | UK | England | Poverty 'blights 1m rural homes'

Denis McDonough, the president's chief of staff, warned the cuts would come as the stock market is coming back, the housing market has improved and the number of jobs has grown, and urged Congress to consider a balanced approach that would further strengthen the economy and, in turn, the middle class.

NPR: White House Seeks 'Balanced Way' To Budget Fix