THE transfer of Warrington's 11,537 council homes to a new landlord is suggested in a report by housing consultants.

The wholesale shedding of Warrington Borough Council's housing estates is seen as the key to keeping rent rises low and providing the necessary funds to bring all the housing stock up to modern day standards.

The report says the cost of improving the borough's council homes is estimated at £69.7 million over the next 10 years. But the likely amount the council can afford to contribute is £26.8 million over the same period.

Councillors are considering the options identified in the review by Graham Moody Associates. Any change in landlord would first have to be agreed with the tenants.

Under European regulations the bulk of the council's housing department staff would move to the new company, so tenants would not notice any difference in personalities.

Mr Tom Roberts, Warrington's housing director said there were pluses and minuses to the transfer issue which was based on current financial assumptions. But changes could be on the way which could alter the balance.

The Government is conducting a major review this year of all expenditure including council housing which could result in major changes to the financing of public sector housing.

More than 50 councils faced with the prospect of rising rents, inadequate capital for investment and shortages in social housing supply, have gone down the route of large scale voluntary transfer of their stock.

Tenants are offered a package of benefits including rent guarantees at or around inflation for three to five years, sigtnificant investment in their homes and other improvements.

Warrington's council house value is assessed at £71.7 million or approximately £6,385 per property.

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