Sir – Most public discussions about Oxford’s housing, including your article (Oxford’s growing dilemma, January 17), omit the big issues. Notably they omit any strategic view about the problems they are trying to solve.


Is the problem that more homes are needed to provide decent accommodation for people who already live here? If so, providing more homes is laudable but what is the policy to ensure that priority is given to longstanding local residents?


Is the problem that Oxford needs to increase the size of the city’s population? If so, by how much? The population of Oxford grew by 12 per cent between 2001 and 2011. That’s about twice the national average. Is the strategy to encourage growth of 12 per cent per decade, or less, or more? Is the housing strategy co-ordinated with policies on Oxford’s infrastructure, such as school places, health services and roads?


Is the strategy to provide homes for everyone who wants to come and live in Oxford? If so, is it a market-based strategy intended for those who can afford the full cost of their housing?


Is the strategy to include subsidised homes for everyone who would like to live in Oxford? If so, policy makers have defined a problem that is insoluble. Oxford is a desirable city. Demand for subsidised homes is always likely to exceed supply.
Susan Traynor, Oxford