Brighton and Hove City Council has obtained £9.2 million in grant money to increase its social housing portfolio.

The local authority will deploy the sum, granted via the government’s Local Authority Housing Fund, to buy 46 dwellings throughout the city.

Council leader Bella Sankey described the development as extremely positive for the area. She noted that central government is directly financing the acquisition of additional council homes in acknowledgement of the acute housing shortage locally and the council’s history of actively purchasing properties for households.

The funding arrives as the council’s housing department faces continued strain from expensive rents, scarce affordable options and growing numbers of people without stable accommodation.

Of the 46 properties being purchased, 28 will help reduce dependence on emergency shelters by offering families permanent homes.

Cabinet member for housing Gill Williams said the figures represent real families rather than mere statistics, as dozens of local households will now have access to safe, stable and affordable accommodation. She explained that the council had advocated vigorously for additional resources and was pleased to see ministers respond in this manner.

The remaining 18 properties will house Afghan refugees being resettled, though all dwellings will form part of the Housing Revenue Account.

The council will supplement the government grant using its own Housing Revenue Account, enabling a larger programme of future property acquisitions.

Hove and Portslade MP Peter Kyle stated that collaboration between a Labour administration and a Labour-run council produces tangible benefits for the city. He said this approach allows for meaningful progress on housing issues and helps ensure local families’ children can afford to stay in the area.

Kemptown and Peacehaven MP Chris Ward welcomed the initiative, calling it excellent news for his constituents in the eastern part of the city. He explained that housing concerns feature prominently among issues raised by residents, and it is genuinely encouraging that the council will now be able to purchase additional properties to directly assist local people and families. He noted this demonstrates what can be achieved when a Labour government, council and MPs work together.

The properties will be sourced through buying back former Right to Buy homes and converting vacant council-owned buildings.