House prices in Oxford have escalated to heights which are now beyond the reach of the young, unless they are in lucrative jobs or are fortunate to have received inherited wealth.

Many are saddled with huge debts, largely incurred during their final years of study, making it difficult for them to get a foot on the property ladder, which must be frustrating and a disappointing start to their careers.

The Government and councils have recognised that there is a problem, but as councils no longer build social housing for rent or sale, they have encouraged housing associations and developers to provide the housing.

Hidden in Government housing policy and administered by planning services of the council, two new words have crept in which have ambiguous interpretations 'affordable' housing and 'key' workers.

There is no clear definition of these words, yet they are loosely used in reports presented by the planning officers at city area committee meetings on developments seeking planning permission. At these meetings, councillors have glibly accepted these words without reference to what is being offered.

No member of the public is allowed to question unless he or she declares 'for' or 'against' the project, making nonsense of the consultation process.

The question is who decides the number of affordable houses and who monitors the agreement struck with developers?

Will these houses be built among those for private sale and be offered at 50 or 75 per cent of the general selling price, or will they be crammed into a smaller area of the site, having their own entrance and exit?

Who will be eligible for these houses? Who will be responsible for their management and do they have a target price or rent?

I am aware that housing associations make owner occupation a possibility through their 'right to acquire' scheme, but I cannot see an independent housing developer offering a similar scheme.

As for 'key' workers, who are they? It appears they are mainly civil servants or council workers, who could receive a substantial loan or sum from the employer to buy the property.

The method of repayment is shrouded in mystery. Maybe a councillor or officer will be able to enlighten us.

However, being mesmerised by the 'numbers game', they forget that there are many workers in the private sector who are just as important to the community, but will they receive any help?

We need a clearer insight to what the council means when it uses words like 'affordable' and 'key workers' to avoid ambiguity.

VIM RODRIGO Rivermead Road Rose Hill Oxford