I was shocked to see the Lib-Dems' Mark Barnard attacking Brighton and Hove City Council for introducing a scheme in which landlords of bedsits have to register with the council and come up to threshold standards for their rented accommodation (May 25).

Even the Tory party, Mark's former home, has not dared scaremonger in this fashion.

There are many people needing housing in the city and no one should be housed in bad conditions.

I am repeatedly amazed at what private and council landlords are allowed to get away with. Any scheme to improve this is welcome.

It is possible there will be a small blip in available accommodation as improvements are made, but this will not last long.

Using language like "catastrophic shortage" is irresponsible headline grabbing.

-Coun Rik Child, Green Group Housing Spokesman, Islingword Road, Brighton