I WAS disappointed to read your editorial criticising Labour for wanting to influence the Local Plan process, something for which I make no apology (Plan politicking is dangerous, November 28).

In a city as unaffordable as York, like it or not, housing is a hugely political issue.

It may be more comfortable for others if Labour sat quietly on the sidelines allowing the current coalition administration to propose a development plan for the next 15 years with woefully insufficient homes, including affordable homes.

But we won’t do that. One thing we will do, as indicated in our letter to the Government, is be willing to compromise with other parties.

Yet this has been consistently rebuffed by the Tory council leader, who seems intent on presenting a plan that won’t pass inspection.

This city needs a plan that offers some hope for people being able to rent or buy a home without it swallowing up most of their income.

This current plan isn’t it, and we will continue to provide challenge until we see a plan that makes a proper effort to address the housing needs of everyone in this city, and which has some realistic chance of being adopted.

Cllr Janet Looker (Lab),

Leader of the Labour group on City of York Council,

Clifton Dale, York