• HOUSING dysfunction is highlighted by the need for your front page headline, (The new hostile environment, CNJ, June 6).

How have we got to a position where the New Journal has to publish a plea to allow homeless people to be allowed to sleep rough on the streets?

This is shocking when we realise that Camden Council has around a thousand empties along with the larger housing associations?

Notting Hill Genesis has an estimated 987 “voids” and I am reliably informed they continue their programme to sell homes on the open market.

But eagle-eyed readers will have noticed an election in three weeks. I urge everyone to email the two main parties to get the stupidity of this situation put on to the agenda.

With many exceptions, empty homes could be heavily taxed, council officials in charge transferred to parking enforcement and housing associations punished with restrictive legislation.

There is much easily within the reach of government; for instance the replacement of the top levels in the probate office, an allegedly abusive organisation which designs for housing to be empty for months on end.

We can start by googling “BBC Your Voice, Your Vote” and continuing with the other stations. And then tackle social media.

This is an opportunity to pump sense into an area where it does not have much of a foothold.

PETER RUTHERFORD, NW6