I was not surprised to read Mathew Laverack's letter (July 31). It is typical.

I totally support the City of York Council's policy on increasing the element of affordable housing.

It is the only way forward to meet the needs of our citizens. Affordability is something we all aspire too, how can we get anything if it is not affordable? Developers always want to reduce the affordable element. The question we have to ask is why? The answer is simple: profit.

In York we have all seen house prices rise - a good thing if you own your own home and want to sell. But what about those who need housing but cannot afford to buy at greatly inflated prices?

What about people on low incomes? What about young people trying to get a foot on the housing ladder?

Gordon Campbell-Thomas,

Constantine Avenue, York.

...Chartered architect Matthew Laverack rightly points out that the private sector is generally unable or unwilling to provide low-cost housing.

Because York badly needs low-cost housing, the answer is obvious: our council needs to build more council houses, and stop trying to sell off the stock we already have.

To help organise a Defend Council Housing campaign in York ring me on (01904) 633144.

Ben Drake,

Danum Road,

Fulford,

York.

Updated: 11:23 Friday, August 02, 2002