Mr MacAlister, a cabinet member for housing, said despite this, some would remain on the “list for forever and a day because they are adequately housed”.
He also said the growing list comes amid fears of a “huge hole looming in the future” in the council’s housing revenue account, with pressure to find major projects such as council home refurbishments.
The waiting list findings were shared alongside a wider-report warning the future of England’s council housing system was in “danger”.
The study led by Southwark Council on behalf of a number of local authorities including Stockport found costs had soared and council budgets were being squeezed.
The region’s town halls expect to spend a total of £75m on temporary housing this year according to Greater Manchester Combined Authority, as they struggle to deal with growing demand for affordable homes.
Paul Dennett, deputy mayor of Greater Manchester, said the issue had become an “existential threat” to councils.
He added: “We are seeing councils up and down the country going bankrupt and temporary accommodation overspend is a significant element of that.
“This should be a huge concern across this country right now and for us in Greater Manchester.”
