As reported in the Oxford Mail, Oxford city councillor Ed Turner was able, by personal lobbying, to get the rate of rent increase reduced this year for council tenants.

I wonder why the Government could not do the same for housing association tenants?

These associations operate under government guidelines, as do local authorities.

From April 2002, the Government decided that rent setting for councils and housing associations would be brought onto a common system, using a complex formula to calculate rents.

Now it seems this policy is being abandoned due to the lobbying efforts of one councillor.

My total rent increased from April 13 by 7.29 per cent.

I feel like doing a Joanna Lumley, by going direct to the Housing Minister on this change of policy.

It appears that housing associations have made no effort to get a share of this subsidy.

DAVID BRUCE, Greater Leys, Oxford