Brighton & Hove Council was one of many authorities that proposed to transfer its 12,500 homes to raise the millions needed to modernise them.

Our tenants, however, overwhelmingly rejected a change of landlord in 2007 - which left a projected £100 million shortfall in funds.

This was a tough problem but together with tenants we have come up with a pioneering solution.

For the first time, a local authority has set up a not-for-profit housing company to raise private money to carry out the huge refurbishment work. One benefit of this route is that it also ensures that the council remains the landlord.

We applied to the secretary of state for communities and local government for approval to set up a local delivery vehicle but, sadly, this has not been forthcoming. So we have identified a ‘plan B’.

This option does not need ministerial approval because it will lease properties to people with special needs, including people with disability, mental illness and victims of domestic violence.

So what are we doing? We will lease up to 499 empty properties over five years to a new charity called Brighton & Hove Seaside Community Homes to raise up to £45 million.

A 12-member board is currently being finalised and is made up of independents, councillors and tenant representatives in equal measure.

Moreover, we are close to finalising a deal with a high street bank that is committed to the project.

Brighton & Hove Council’s top priority is to improve our homes and ensure tenants have modern kitchen and bathroom facilities.

We think we have identified the right route to achieve this and are determined to press ahead as fast as possible.

Maria Caulfield is cabinet member for housing at Brighton & Hove Council

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