In Havering there is more interest on the doorstep in parking charges, Council Tax, and bin collections, than on immigration.
We also delivered Community Land Trusts, innovative community-led housing which helps local people who otherwise could not afford to enter the market.
We want to generate income, to help pay for local services – and drive economic growth, to create jobs and homes where people want them.
The good news is that it means great potential to increase the housing supply. Bold planning changes are needed.
Clumsy bans are not the answer – but local rules do need to be adapted to cope with Uber, Deliveroo and Airbnb.
During this Budget run-up, many of those I met raised business rates as a killer, plus council tax, the apprenticeship levy, parking charges and corporation tax, too.
We’re calling time on badly-publicised rules, usurious fees, and other underhand tactics used to squeeze motorists.