Starting my career in Westminster Council's planning department in 1970, I joined a group of young colleagues who had come into local government to make a difference. 

The Conservative council saw the welfare state as essential in enabling their residents to lead full, productive lives.

The councillors had built up one of the largest housing development programmes in London, following on from the 1951 Conservative manifesto which said: 'Housing is ….one of the keys to increased productivity. Work, family life, health and education are all undermined by overcrowded homes. Therefore a Conservative and Unionist Government will give housing a priority second only to national defence'.