Local government can still have vital impact on the development of social housing even after it loses control of its stock, a new study has claimed.

A report launched on Tuesday by the Local Government Information Unit says councillors can influence urban regeneration projects.

According to the "Essential Guide to Housing Strategy for Councillors" local authorities can still play a big part in the housing sphere despite losing control of "council housing".

The transfer of housing has coincided with changes in the political management structures of local authorities and a range of new council responsibilities - in areas such as regeneration, health, crime prevention and education.

The study finds that councillors are often cabinet executive members for housing; scrutiny chairmen or panel members examining housing service delivery.

Others sit as board members of housing associations and local housing companies.

Councils should work hard to maintain a strategic role once they have completed stock transfer, says the study.

Dennis Reed, LGIU chief executive, said: "Social housing in the 21st Century will take many forms other than the traditional model of council housing.

"The LGIU has criticised the restricted choice available to local authorities, and their tenants, for access to sources of investment for social housing.

"However, councillors around the country have risen to the challenge of adapting their roles and responsibilities from managerial landlords to major enablers and partners in regeneration. They have reasserted their community leadership role.

"Irrespective of whether councils and their tenants opt for stock transfer, enterprising councillors are influencing housing strategy across all tenures, ensuring that the different models of accountability that are encountered under registered social landlords work for their communities.

"Transferring housing stock need not mean transferring the strategic role of councillors in housing. Local democracy can still be a key player."