Controversial plans requiring landlords to carry out immigration checks on prospective tenants could be rolled out first in Brighton and Hove.

Simon Kirby MP wants new measures to tackle the impact of illegal immigration on the housing market to be implemented in the city.

The Brighton Kemptown MP said it was not fair for lawful residents to compete for homes against people here illegally.

But critics said the MP’s call risked “pandering to racism” and did not address the main problems causing a housing shortage.

Mr Kirby raised the issue during proceedings of the Immigration Bill Committee which is currently running over the new Government immigration bill.

Included in the bill’s measures is a requirement that landlords ensure prospective tenants are in the UK legally.

There are currently more than 17,000 people on Brighton and Hove City Council’s housing register.

Identity documents The proposals could prove a logistical headache for landlords, with more than 400 legitimate European identity documents.

Mr Kirby said: “It isn’t fair that when there is pressure on housing supply, as there is in Brighton, lawful residents face competition from illegal migrants in the market.

“This problem needs to be addressed urgently.”

Davy Jones, Green Party candidate for Brighton Kemptown, said the idea that immigrants were to blame for the city’s housing shortage was “absurd” and successive Tory and Labour Governments had “completely failed” to build enough houses to keep up with population growth.

He said: “They have restricted the ability of councils to build houses and forced them to sell off much of their housing stock under Right to Buy legislation. That’s why there is a housing shortage. To scapegoat immigrants is lazy and risks pandering to racism.”

Chris Norris, head of policy at the National Landlords Association, said landlords cannot replace the role of the UK Border Agency but the body was pleased to be recognised as a partner in finding practical solutions.

He said: “It is essential that if landlords are to be held responsible for such checks they are provided with a clear and unambiguous support upon which to carry them out.”