We can do it

Re: "East Brighton NDC wants to take over 6000 council homes" (26 March, page 11). Firstly, there some 6500 homes in the area we cover but only 3500 are social properties. Secondly, our aim is the long-term social, economic and environmental regeneration of the area, so naturally we are very concerned that, whatever happens to the stock, we seek the best possible outcomes for local people.

From day one we have tried to engage with RSL partners, involving them in our steering groups and projects, and I have to say that our experience has been mixed.

With more than 130 projects on the ground, we have been consistently among the leading NDC areas. We have achieved an 18% reduction in reported crime, a 36% rise in educational attainment, an 18% rise in area satisfaction and a 50% reduction in unemployment – so we are doing just a tad better than your mealy-mouthed RSL so-called expert.

Five years of waiting for five RSLs to sort out a management agreement on a 190-home estate does give rise to the question: might we do better?