n AT July's full Worcester City Council meeting, we finally witnessed the obvious embarrassing public acknowledgement by the New Labour group that the actions, or even non-actions, of the New Labour Government have placed the present Worcester City Council and many other city and county councils throughout England in their present precarious positions regarding council housing.

The truth, which was extensively explained at the informative presentation at Guildhall on July 25, is that the government are not willing to provide the millions of pounds required for maintenance and upgrading. But they are willing to give millions of pounds to get rid of its obligations for affordable housing.

Like many thousands in this city, I am proud to have been born and raised in a council house, and would denounce whichever government was seen to be acting in this disgraceful way. We are, after all, talking about family homes.

We were told that Mike Foster has now pledged his support on this problem.

If applicable, wouldn't this situation have been more important for a Private Members Bill, than hunting with hounds? But, of course, it would receive less favour from the Blair camp.

BRIAN HUNT,

Worcester.