TIME is running out for thousands of tenants to have a say in the future of their council homes.

Derwentside District Council is reviewing its 8,000 homes, as it looks for the right way to meet stringent new Government standards.

But so far only 400 householders, about five per cent, have filled in a questionnaire about the improvements they want to see, and all the results must be in by next month.

Denise Taylor, chairman of the Derwentside Tenants Focus Group, which is running the consultation process, said: "We want as many of our tenants to complete these questionnaires because we have to get a good sample of what they want.

"This is a decision about the future of their homes, so it is very important that they don't sit on the fence."

The questionnaire asks tenants to give views on the minimum standards they expect from their homes, such as how often they think their bathrooms and kitchens should be replaced.

Independent consultants TPAS will then cost out their answers and look at which of four housing management options will deliver the best results.

The first proposal would see an arm's-length management organisation set up to look after homes, which could bring in millions of extra pounds of Government cash to revamp the properties.

The second option is for the council to retain full control of its stock.

The third would see a registered social landlord take over the housing, while the last option involves homes being upgraded through a Private Finance Initiative.

The council has started the process in order to comply with the Government's Decent Homes Standard, which comes into force in 2010.

A conference will be held next month when residents will make a final decision on which option they prefer.

A series of public meetings to advise residents on the best way forward have been taking place over the last couple of weeks.

Tenants met last Friday in Wood View Community Centre, Langley Park, near Durham, and at Thornfield Road Community Centre, in The Grove, Consett.

The final and main conference is in Lanchester Community Centre, Lanchester, near Durham, on Saturday, June 12, from 10am until 2pm.

Free transport and creche are available and there will be a buffet and prize draw. For further details, call the consultancy team on 0800 1691814.