Now that local MP Matthew Taylor has agreed to spend much of his remaining time as an MP preparing a report for the Brown government on planning and sustainable rural communities, I hope he will urge local Liberal Democrat councils and councillors to do more for affordable housing.

Firstly, to increase the commitment to affordable homes in Carrick local development plans. The existing plans to make one out of three - rather than two out three - new homes affordable were developed by the Liberal Democrats before they lost control of Carrick district council in May this year. Other district councils like South Shropshire achieve 50 per cent affordable homes in new developments.

Secondly, to retain land they own and use it for affordable housing. The Liberal Democrat-led Cornwall county council is selling the former Richard Lander School site in Truro to the highest bidder.

Thirdly, to require developers to build a proportion of affordable homes. Carrick district council, when led by the Liberal Democrats, sold the land on Malpas Road which is now being used for a development of over 50 residential units with no affordable homes, and granted the developer planning permission.

Fourthly, to persuade Cornwall county council to use council tax from second homes for affordable housing, which the Liberal Democrats are proposing to return to the general budget.

Dr Charlotte MacKenzie, Cornwall Terrace, Truro