The proposal by Southampton City Council to create its own development arm to launch projects to build new homes in the city is an interesting suggestion.

By cutting out the middle men the council hopes obviously to keep down costs and maintain control over projects to develop much-needed housing.

On the face of it the idea has much merit, but there will need to be efforts made to ensure that the scheme does truly give value for money.

Local authorities have a poor track record when it comes to running schemes. Lack of competition can lead to complacency and a poor return for taxpayers’ money.

Can SCC assure residents that it will be able to provide a better service and value than a private company with, it could be suggested, more experience?

We must wait to see what safeguards are put in place.

The authority cannot act as its own decision-maker on such matters if confidence is to be maintained.

Yet this is a bold proposal and worthy of further consideration.

The city needs more homes and well thought out housing projects, however they are devised.