Brighton and Hove City Council is to be congratulated on its efforts to reduce the number of empty properties in the city, in both the public and private sector.

It would be interesting to know how many properties in the city are second homes for people from outside the area.

If property is at such a premium, perhaps the council could invoke a residency qualification for property purchase in the City.

On the island of Jersey, you have to live there for 20 years before you can buy.

The law should be changed so full council tax is payable on unoccupied property and there should be no reduction for single occupancy either.

-Nick Hearn, Osborne Road, Brighton