So, Ruth Arundell, of Defend Council Housing, would wish the council to stop offering families in overcrowded conditions on a waiting list of some 6,000 the chance to move immediately to a house and garden elsewhere in the country.

This option is offered freely and voluntarily to those who despair of horrendous property prices and high rents in Brighton and Hove and who are interested in social housing at affordable rents elsewhere.

The council is also enabling hundreds of new homes via housing associations. It also requires all substantial private developments to provide 40 per cent affordable housing.

Recognising the scarcity of building land, it has developed a tall buildings policy with affordable housing as a requirement.

Any new idea which helps even a few young families to acquire a home of their own should be pursued.

Ms Arundell's negative comments do nothing to provide a solution for anyone.

-Jack Hazelgrove, Brighton