A HOUSING advisory board has been set up to oversee a district council's actions in improving services to tenants.

At a meeting before Christmas, Government Housing Minister Tony McNulty, agreed with a delegation from Chester-le-Street District Council that it would establish a board to advise and oversee the council's efforts in improving its housing service.

The move has come after the council received a poor rating in an Audit Commission inspection. Although the board can only advise, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will take into account how the council considers the recommendations of the board when reviewing its progress. The board had its first meeting on Wednesday.

So far it consists of three independent members nominated by the Government; Peter Kemp, former chief executive of Tynedale District Council, Geoff Paul, chief executive of Blyth Valley Borough Council and Denise Caudle, former director of communities and learning at the Government Office for the North-East.

The council is also represented on the board by councillors Linda Ebbatson and Isabel Smith. Two tenants will also be appointed to the board. Coun Ebbatson said: "I'm sure that the meeting will be an impetus for radical change."