WHAT a depressing read 'Housing crisis starting to bite', Bolton News, December 22, to see that our kids have only half a chance to buy a home than our generation did, only one generation ago.

They will probably never see 'average' incomes of £40,000 or raise deposits of £25,000 'average'. What a gift we leave them.

How can we get out of this mess? Can I start by praising the excellent Bolton council team set up to refurbish and put into use empty premises in our borough, 800 premises is an amazing total in one year.

But maybe give them more powers perhaps — naming and shaming property owners who deliberately let rooms/houses remain vacant because it makes them more money than letting them out or putting them onto the market; or charging them ten times the council tax until the premises are sold or rented. We may also like to re-introduce rent controls, like many other countries to match incomes with rent charges.

I'm sure other readers have other ideas. Send them in and also to the 'Greater Manchester Spatial Framework Group', Manchester Town Hall, PO Box 532, which has been set up to finance and stimulate homes growth, particularly for first time buyers/renters.

Dave Fogg

Morris Green