Council sets out approach to managing assets to unlock housing, support financial stability and protect public services

Brighton & Hove City Council has published proposals setting out how it will better manage its land and buildings to unlock new housing, support financial sustainability, and protect frontline services 

The plans are set out in an Asset Strategy report, which will be considered by Cabinet on 23 April 2026. The report describes how council‑owned assets will be reviewed to ensure they are fit for purpose, affordable to maintain, and aligned with the council’s priorities, at a time of significant financial challenge.

Brighton & Hove continues to face acute housing pressures, with high demand for affordable homes and increasing use of temporary accommodation. Making best use of the assets the council already owns is one of the ways it can contribute to addressing these challenges, alongside wider housing and regeneration activity.  The strategy proposes the targeted disposal of a limited number of assets that are surplus to requirements, under‑used, vacant, or costing more to maintain than they generate in income. 

Where council‑owned land has the potential to support housing delivery, including affordable housing or temporary accommodation, this will continue to be considered alongside other options. However, each site will be assessed on its individual merits, balancing housing need with site viability and planning policy, and the council’s responsibilities to achieve best value to secure the capital receipts necessary for financial sustainability. 

All proposals within the Asset Strategy are subject to robust governance, legal requirements and statutory consultation, including planning processes and, where relevant, government consent. Decisions will be taken transparently and, on a case-by‑case basis.

Councillor Jacob Taylor, Cabinet Member for Finance and City Regeneration, said: “We have a severe housing crisis in the city, and that contributes to the significant financial pressures that the council faces. When looking at out assets, our starting point is always housing – and I’m pleased to be proposing sites like the former Hertford Infact school to genuinely affordable family housing.”

“Our strategy involves being clear about which assets we need to keep, and which no longer represent best value for the council or the public. It also means considering how some sites could contribute to meeting housing need, while ensuring we secure the resources required to keep the council financially sustainable.”

The Asset Strategy will be considered by Cabinet on 23 April 2026. 

• Read the full Asset Strategy report to the 23 April Cabinet meeting (agenda item 171)