A privilege to live in central London

Published: 19 November, 2010

• FORGET the Tory-bashing, Alan Patterson (Letters November 12) and let us look at market forces in an expensive part of town.

As a single, retired, man on a police sergeant’s pension I rent an unmodernised small flat in Westminster which accounts for a substantial part of my monthly income. I can’t remember when I last took a foreign holiday, do not own a car, do not smoke, do not eat out and rarely visit the cinema, let alone the theatre or any other entertainment. I am happy to make that financial adjustment and accept that if my private landlord puts my rent beyond my means I must look elsewhere.

Nearby there are subsidised blocks of flats which cost their tenants a loss less than I pay but good luck to them. However, if their circumstances become untenable, for whatever reason, they can have no more complaint than I about looking elsewhere.

To be able to live in central London is a privilege not a right, especially when other people pay towards it.

It used to be called “cutting your coat according to your cloth”. I see it merely as market forces at work.

The tenor of that letter reminds me of the old description of a socialist: one who is willing to put down his penny and pick up your shilling.

MARK NEWBERRY
Harcourt Street, W1