THANK you for the thoughtful comment column in the Evening Press regarding housing issues in York (December 23). Labour does indeed have an excellent record for providing council housing services.

Labour is still proud of its Tenant's Choice modernisation scheme and gaining Beacon status for repairs.

Before Labour left office, there was a high level of customer satisfaction of 89 per cent, another achievement to be proud of.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Evening Press for highlighting the Labour Government's continued support for housing in this city. The housing papers coming before elected members on January 10 report an increase from Government of 12 per cent for managing and maintaining council housing and an increase of six per cent for major capital repairs.

There is also an award of £2.575 million for the re-provision of the Arclight facility for homeless people. This is an excellent settlement for the city allowing an injection of nearly £10 million for housing projects.

Let's hope the Liberal Democrats use the money wisely.

Ruth Potter,

Labour housing spokesperson,

Chaucer Street, York.

Updated: 10:10 Monday, January 03, 2005