A new contract to cut the amount of time council properties are left uninhabited has led to them being empty for longer.

Since the introduction of a partnership between Brighton and Hove City Council and two private contractors, the length of time homes lie empty has rocketed from an average of 31 days to 46.

In a letter to staff last year, the contract was heralded as a way to "ensure empty properties are turned around in the quickest possible time allowing them to be re-let quickly and minimise the need for alternative accommodation".

The housing crisis in the city has seen the waiting list for council homes grow to 10,000 people.

The council said it was disappointed with the results but added that the situation was improving.

In February this year, Mears and Kier were appointed to run the council's repair and maintenance service.

But by May it was taking 46 days to relet empty homes and the number of properties in use within the turnaround target of 30 days had fallen from 59 per cent to 22 per cent.

In March, Mears was taking an average of 20 days longer to repair homes and Kier nine.

But by June the situation had reversed and Kier was 21 days above target and Mears just five.

A report to the city council's housing sub-committee revealed: "Reasons for the current level of performance may be attributed in large part to the slower than anticipated bedding down of the new partnering Repairs and Maintenance contract that came into effect in February 2007.

"Some progress has been made in recent weeks and it is predicted that performance will reach the improved levels by the end of August.

"We will continue to work with both contractors, in the spirit of partnership embodied in our contract, to resolve the issues these figures reveal."

Tyron Stalberg of Kier said his company was committed to maximising the supply of affordable housing in Brighton and Hove.

He said: "The new contract has presented some difficulties in this area of work and we are working closely with the council to improve.

"A full action plan has been produced by Kier and will be closely monitored."

He said Kier had addressed staffing difficulties and now had a full complement of permanent staff.

He added: "This will enable more rigorous monitoring and supervision of the empty property process in conjunction with the council.

"Kier has requested regular access to reports produced by the council to help focus efforts and resources more effectively.

"Kier is in the process of bringing new and specialty subcontractor partners to the Brighton and Hove contract to support our local team particularly during periods of high volumes of empty properties."

Stewart Gover, tenant representative for the north area housing management sub-committee, said the delays were being caused by the increasing amount of damage to properties.

Mears declined to comment.