COUN Tracey Simpson Laing ably demonstrates why her branch of socialist politics is called the loony left (Letters, June 7).

According to her, the lack of progress at Hungate phase two is nothing to do with the 25 per cent of homes that developers have to hand over at less than cost price; but everything to do with high selling prices and rents on the free-market houses and flats.

This is illogical and ludicrous. In any housing scheme containing ‘affordable’ dwellings, it is the private element which subsidises the losses on the giveaway social housing.

Thus, the higher the price of the private homes, the more finance there is to fund the ‘affordable’ housing.

The fact that Hungate phase two is not proceeding despite high selling prices is clear and irrefutable evidence that the affordable housing policies supported by the Labour cabinet member for housing have manifestly failed.

Matthew Laverack, Architect of this parish, Lord Mayor’s Walk, York.