COUNCIL house tenants in Stockton borough are being urged to have their say on the future of their home.

Together with the Homes For The Future Tenants Group, Stockton Borough Council has secured a place on the Government's Arms Length Housing Management Programme.

The scheme, which confers borrowing approvals of £44.5m to pay for repairs and improvements to council homes can only go ahead if it has the support of tenants.

Under the programme, a non-profit-making company, made up of a board of tenants, councillors and independent community representatives, would take over the day-to-day running of the council's housing stock from April 1.

The council and company would need to demonstrate to Government inspectors that excellent housing services could be provided under the new scheme.

A postal ballot is being carried out by the Electoral Reform Society, on behalf of Stockton council, with all tenants and leaseholders being given the chance to vote on whether or not they want the council to press ahead with the proposal.

A free hotline for tenants can be contacted on 0800 028 1764.

The results of the ballot will be known around the middle of next month.