Almost everyone I have spoken to about the housing white paper has had good things to say. I don't mean polite public pronouncements, but a genuine optimism springing from the sense that the Government actually gets it.

There's no doubt that having an intelligent, competent, hard-working and personable housing minister is a factor; a national politician who has substantial experience in local government is a definite plus. But it is the tone and thrust of the white paper which is gaining our confidence.