Re: John Prescott’s promise to look again at housing finance (1 October, page 7), it has been our experience in Sheffield that promises to conduct an inquiry are no more than delaying, extemporisation and “containment” tactics while the original pre-set agenda is imposed.

If the Labour party can’t respect the democratic decision of its own members, it cannot be trusted to govern the country.

There must be unequivocal acceptance of the fourth option. The initial response of the housing minister is indicative of the arrogance that saw off the Tory party.

Martin Brighton via the Housing Today website