It is shocking, but sadly not surprising, that according to the Government’s own figures, people in Barnet are paying almost 50 per cent of their income in rent.

There is a housing crisis in London, and nowhere is the problem more pronounced than in Barnet. The Conservative council here has missed the Mayor of London’s targets for building new and affordable housing for the last ten years.

In the borough where Mrs Thatcher first promised to make Britain a property-owning democracy, this year for the first time ever fewer than half of households are owner-occupied. The fundamental promise of Mrs Thatcher’s Conservatism has been betrayed by Conservative councillors, many of whom are buy-to-let landlords.

This position is not just unfair, it is also unsustainable. Nurses, teachers and other key workers on whom we all depend are already being forced out of our community by sky-high rents, and young people are unable to rent or buy in the area where they grew up.

What we need is more affordable housing, and government action against overcharging by letting agents and rip-off landlords. Renters need more security, with longer and more secure tenancies and a cap on soaring rents.

Unfortunately, this council has refused to take action, and so have the three Conservative MPs in Barnet. What could be more important than the roofs over our heads? Helping renters and those who want to buy their first property must be the priority for the next government and every MP in London.

Sarah Sackman

Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Finchley and Golders Green