Outside investigators are helping decide whether 13,000 council homes should be sold off.

Finance consultants Pricewaterhouse Cooper has been appointed to study the cost implications of four different options for the future of Brighton and Hove's housing stock.

Tenants, councillors and housing staff are considering the best approach for the stock, which needs an estimated £650 million investment to survive the next 30 years.

The options under review are: * Transferring the homes to a housing association * Establishing an "arm's length" management to look after the properties on behalf of the council, which retains ownership * Setting up a private finance initiative, with the council owning the homes but a private firm responsible for management and modernisation * No change, with the council retaining ownership and management

Brighton and Hove City Council's housing director Ian Long warned in October that holding on to the stock looked less financially viable than ever.

However, the council has insisted the ultimate decision will be made by the tenants themselves.

Housing chairman Councillor Jack Hazelgrove said: "Pricewaterhouse Cooper was selected because it has a wealth of experience of carrying out financial analysis for housing options appraisals.

"The options all bring different amounts of funding and the financial analysis will show which options are viable for Brighton and Hove."

The initial results of the financial study are expected next month. Campaign group Defend Social Housing, whose supporters include journalist Julie Burchill, has vowed to oppose any stock sell-off.

Opponents of housing transfers believe council control provides more secure tenancies, better protection against eviction and lower rents.

Wednesday December 03, 2003