Brighton and Hove City Council has to take drastic action to save cash as it faces a financial crisis.

That is why it is looking at reducing the number of offices it has in many parts of the city.

It makes sense to lease as few buildings as possible from commercial landlords and to fill space in other underused offices.

The council could save large sums of cash if it gave up using Ovest House in West Street and Priory House, which is next to Brighton Town Hall.

But it should stop short of selling historic Royal York Buildings in Old Steine which has been in council ownership for 74 years.

This fine set of buildings in the heart of the city forms a freehold asset worth up to £4 million.

It is tempting for councillors to move the social care staff to other buildings and sell the former hotel to developers.

Councillors have only to look across the road to Marlborough House, resort services offices for the council for many years, to see what could happen.

Although it is to be restored, the work seems to be taking forever and this handsome house is in a sorry state.

The council should keep hold of Royal York Buildings, a prize asset. Preferably it should stay as it is but if financial needs are acute, it could be rented out commercially.