Waste not, want not?

• I READ with alarm the vote on a rent increase for Camden tenants of 7 per cent. It’s yet another burden for hard-pressed residents facing a cost of living crisis.

Your editorial Comment asked: “Where has all the money been going?”, (Will higher council rents mean a higher quality service? January 19).

Leaseholders in Ossulston estate might have a ready answer; facing their own “cost of living” crisis via costs of £30,000+ each for recent major works, which they argue are not entirely necessary.

An entire new roof is replaced, when perhaps simple repairs to tiles might have sufficed, which might also have prevented major repairs; windows in external outdoor courtyards were double-glazed pointlessly; fire doors put on corridors where none were necessary; years of neglect stores up major problems.

How about excessive consultancy fees, and greening projects which have yet to be realised? Without wishing to minimise the effect of cuts, can Camden Council – as we are now – waste not, want not?

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED, NW1