I agree with Councillor Tonks (Letters, June 23) that any transfer of council homes to a new housing association which is a private company would be privatisation.

It does not matter that the new Gateway is referred to as Brighton and Hove City Housing. The important word missing is "Council".

It is claimed the new housing association would unlock millions of pounds to bring housing fully up to standard by 2010 but it costs more for a housing association to carry out work than the council so this is not necessary.

Brighton and Hove City Council has done a good job so far.

The Government could provide funds for the fourth option and direct investment to give tenants the peace of mind of remaining with the council.

It must be costing millions, too, for the authorities just to organise the stock transfer.

So far, no less than 93 local authorities have voted "no" to stock transfer. There should soon be a chance for Brighton and Hove to vote on what is right.

The council provides security, which is so important and we should remember, as Coun Tonks said, once houses are taken out of municipal ownership, they are gone forever.

-John Ovenden, Brighton