HARD-up council tenants will be able to insure their property thanks to a scheme launched by their landlord.

Labour-run Durham City Council has joined up with an insurance firm to offer contents cover for thousands of people.

The scheme was launched after a survey revealed that nearly half of its tenants had no insurance for their property.

Many said they could not find cover with easy premium payments and that the minimum value of the sum insured was too high.

Under the new scheme, tenants will be able to pay premiums with their weekly rent and the minimum sum that can be insured will be £6,000.

Community Services chairman Dennis McMahon said: "The scheme is an excellent idea. We aim to provide a first class service to tenants which includes a 24-hour helpline, easy payments and standard premiums for all areas of the district."

Tenants who want to take out insurance under the scheme will initially contact the council.

Tenants are also being given a chance to have a say about the way the council manages their homes.

The council is producing a tenant participation compact that will include the development of residents' groups. The groups will be given training and help to produce regular newsletters.

Councillor McMahon said: "The new compact will allow tenants and the council to look together at how tenants can have a proper say in their housing service.

"In this way, our tenants will enjoy a better service and a better quality of life as a result."

The council has already set up five residents' groups and hopes to get another two off the ground later in the year.

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