A Sussex council is asking private landlords to help with the increasing number of homeless people.

Lewes District Council wants to lease properties in the private sector for three-year periods to help it cope with the increasing number of homeless families in the area.

Under new arrangements, the council would manage the tenancy during the leasing period, pay the owner rent in advance - whether the property is occupied or not - and hand it back at the end of the lease in reasonable condition and with vacant possession.

The private sector leasing scheme is being set up to cope with increased demand for the council's housing services since the new Homelessness Act came into force in July.

The Government has set national targets to reduce the use of bed-and-breakfast accommodation, particularly for families with young children.

By March 2004, councils will have to ensure no family with children has to stay in temporary bed-and- breakfast accommodation for longer than six weeks.

Councillor Rod Wilson said: "We're very keen for anyone thinking of letting their property to get in touch with us, to learn how our new leasing scheme benefits both the landlord and the council.

"Our housing services team is already getting many more enquiries and will be under considerable pressure to find more homes, so any help we can get will be well received."

Anyone interested in leasing a property to the council should contact Bob Blacker on 01273 484033 or at bob.blacker@lewes.gov.uk People who are homeless or threatened with homelessness should contact the council's housing needs section on 01273 484006.