Making housing more affordable is of the utmost importance. After a long search involving couch surfing, I recently found a house-share that I can afford. But, my own problems pale in comparison with the housing difficulties of many people across the city.

So I was disappointed to read the criticism of the Westgate development by Cllr Sam Hollick (“Greed is the reason behind poor homes provision,” November 17).

When I last saw Cllr Hollick it was six days ago for a cross-party scrutiny committee meeting which he attended and I led as the Green chair was absent from his duties. Funnily enough, the Westgate development was on the agenda. A senior planning officer came to illuminate our scrutiny. I spoke in the discussion and came away with useful answers.

I don’t recall Cllr Hollick speaking at all, let alone about any housing concerns in relation to the plan.

That scrutiny meeting gave Cllr Hollick a perfect opportunity to shape the council’s work. Yet, he did not speak up. Sadly, Cllr Hollick has also become forgetful. Conveniently for his attack, he put facts to one side and avoided saying anything about the 149 affordable housing units in the council’s plan for Oxpens, right by Westgate.

As a new councillor, I’m disappointed to see another councillor, and particularly the Green Party group leader, stand apart from the hard work of the council to play politics. When times are so cash-strapped and tougher government funding cuts are in the pipeline, we should be working together for common causes. I hope Cllr Hollick and his group reflect on a missed opportunity and begin to work for practical solutions to our city’s problems.

Tom Hayes (Labour)
City Councillor for St Clement's

Today’s letters

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