IT’S a shame that Cllr O’Rourke has a problem with figures (Letters, November 5). London’s population is expected to grow and Waltham Forest’s with it.

The projected population increase of 19,000 by 2026 is one which he and his Liberal Democrat Group agreed to when they agreed the Sustainable Community Strategy.

This is the figure that the council is working to in terms of providing new housing. The housing waiting list is not additional to this. It is comprised of people who are in unsatisfactory housing or possibly homeless – they are already included in any population figures present and anticipated.

Similarly the Education and Health Services plan future service provision around anticipated population numbers. It is surprising that Cllr O’Rourke does not know this.

Cllr Marie Pye and I work very closely together and are both committed to trying to ensure all our borough residents are provided with decent housing.

We have agreed housing targets to work to based on population projections, the need to provide improved housing opportunities and to meet targets set by the London Mayor.

My regeneration and planning team finds opportunities and Marie Pye’s housing team delivers the housing our residents need.

Marie and I are getting on with the job of making things better for our residents.

Cllr Terry Wheeler, Cabinet member for enterprise and investment.