Dear Sir, I am concerned about Norwich City Council's social housing options policy which does nothing to solve the problem of loneliness for the elderly.

I read about Government and other concern about loneliness amongst the elderly, many of who are forced to live alone due to Norwich City Council's housing policies.

I understand that two bedroom bungalows and two bedroomed ground floor flats are reserved for families and not available for the elderly, as a matter of policy.

Those families could be housed in upper storey flats or houses, whereas older people often have problems with stairs or noise made by tenants of flats above or below them.

Many elderly people may had lost a partner and suffer from living alone, even if they are still physically capable or have home helpers.

They would surely benefit from being allowed to share two bedroomed accomodation?

There is an urgent need to get this policy changed. I realise there may be a shortage of two bedroomed bungalows but it seems senseless to give them to families rather than elderly friends or companions.

In addition of course those elderly people who may have to live alone are paying more in energy bills, TV licenses, phone and internet services and probably food bills, often out of their only income which is their pensions.

Can I ask readers to contact their local councillors about this issue?

Alun Buffry