Cabinet heavyweights John Prescott and Gordon Brown have been told how to help transform Brighton and Hove into an urban paradise.

Sarah Tanburn, the city council's director of culture and regeneration, urged the Government for reforms to boost the quality of city life at the Urban Summit in Birmingham.

She called for restrictions to be eased on councils' attempts to tackle unemployment and social deprivation.

Her key concerns included the 1974 Local Government Act, which made it difficult for community groups to take over land for new playing fields or workshops.

Also the 1989 Local Government and Housing Act only allowed councils to own 19 per cent of joint venture companies.

Ms Tanburn said: "With some projects that can be a barrier to creating partnerships with private firms who are worried about taking on greater risks."

She highlighted Brighton and Hove's major successes, such as a 25 per cent rise in the average wage in the past four years and falling unemployment.

But she realised there were major challenges, such as moving ahead with major development schemes at Black Rock and the King Alfred site.

She said: "Homelessness is one of the biggest problems we face. It is so important to achieve physical regeneration alongside boosts to jobs, skills and affordable housing."

The two-day summit is the largest urban conference held in England. It brought together 1,500 people from across the country, including community groups, academics, councils, charities and ministers, including Mr Prescott and Mr Brown.

Brighton and Hove is one of 24 towns and cities to have contributed to five reports, titled Partners in Urban Renaissance.

The reports highlight ways to improve all aspects of modern urban life, including housing, transport, culture, health, open spaces and jobs.

Regeneration minister Tony McNulty said: "Having visited many of the 24 towns and cities I know I don't have to go to Barcelona to see what quality and sustainable urban renaissance looks like.

"There are plenty of great examples in England."

Ms Tanburn said: "It has been encouraging to see how many Government ministers have attended. We have given them a strong message to take away from the summit."