AN independent inspection of housing in York has placed the city council among the country's top 25 per cent performers, with a two-star "good" rating.

The inspection findings come as a city-wide council consultation showed more than 90 per cent of the council's 8,500 tenants wanted to keep the authority as their landlord.

It is the first time the city's housing service has been inspected by the Audit Commission, and the service's customer focus, willingness to innovate, high levels of customer satisfaction and day-to-day performance were singled out for praise.

The commission's report was welcomed by the council's executive member for housing, Councillor Ruth Potter.

She called the report and the results of the consultation over the future management and ownership of council homes in the city "a ringing endorsement" of the council's policies and its commitment to tenants.

"I am delighted that the housing inspection has confirmed that we provide a good service which is customer focused," she said.

"For this to be reinforced by an overwhelming expression of support from council tenants is very reassuring."