I WAS interested to read about the three friends launching Keep York Local.

Most people would agree they are articulating a major problem in York and North Yorkshire of a shortage of affordable housing here for anyone but the super-wealthy.

As a UNISON activist and active supporter of Defend Council Housing (www.defendcouncilhousing.org.uk) I wish them well in moving this issue up the agenda.

Then this morning the news tells me the Government, in its infinite wisdom, is proposing tax breaks for people buying second homes.

Not for the first time I wonder if Blair and Co are living in a parallel universe.

Ben Drake,

Danum Road,

Fulford, York.

Updated: 09:52 Saturday, August 27, 2005