THOUSANDS of tenants could enjoy a multi-million pound makeover on their homes if city chiefs agree to retain control of council housing.

City of York Council is considering whether to continue managing its housing stock, in a move which would spell £65.2million-worth of improvements, such as new bathrooms, kitchens and maintenance work.

Executive housing member, Coun Sue Sunderland, and her advisory panel, will discuss the issue at a meeting on Monday, April 4.

The proposal has already won the support of the Tenant Participation Compact Panel and the York Federation of Residents' and Community Associations.

It follows a consultation in 2002, when 93 per cent of tenants who voted revealed they wanted the council to retain ownership and management.

Coun Sunderland said: "Tenants have always overwhelmingly supported York council in the retention of its housing stock, and the recommendation recognises that. I am delighted this removes any uncertainty there might have been."

She said the council's approach aimed to improve homes as well as whole neighbourhoods and "set standards the rest of the country will envy".

The council, which has about 8,000 homes, currently has 3,980 housing applications on its system, of which 1,864 require further information before they join the list for offers or have been deferred.

If approved, the council intends to spend £65.2 million before April 2011 on improving council homes, including communal areas.

Its projected income will be £61.1 million, leaving a £4.1 millionshortfall. This is likely to be funded by using housing capital receipts from land and right-to-buy sales and efficiency savings made through improved performance.

Steve Waddington, assistant director for housing, said: "This decision not only removes any uncertainty there may be, but enables the council to move forward and build on the existing good services and ensure that we not only meet, but exceed our customers' needs." A business plan will have to be lodged with the government if the suggestion gets the go-ahead.

The plan will detail how the council will meet the government's Decent Homes Standard by 2010/11.

However, the council's award-winning Tenants' Choice programme improves homes to a higher specification than the Government target - and this is expected to remain the case.

Labour housing spokeswoman, Coun Ruth Potter, said: "It is excellent news that the council will be able to maintain control of the housing stock in the city thanks to the 12 per cent increase in funding from the Government. This is just what tenants want from the council."

Updated: 09:08 Monday, March 28, 2005