A SCHEME to transfer power from council officers to residents has received unanimous support from Redditch councillors.

Plans have been drawn up for a Tenant Management Organisation (TMO), giving tenants of council-owned accommodation the chance to manage issues such as rents, repairs and landscaping.

They were outlined by Council Leader David Cartwright at a recent full council meeting.

He said: "The scheme is ultimately about transferring power from councillors and council officers to residents.

"This is an exciting opportunity to empower people and enable them to make a difference to their own areas."

Mr Cartwright said the project would be modelled on the Co-op's Tenants First scheme, which is the largest wholly tenant-controlled co-operative in Britain.

He said: "This can be done. It has been done and is enormously successful and we want to emulate that in Redditch."

Conservative group leader Carole Gandy said she fully supported the project but warned its success or failure would depend upon the willingness of tenants to participate.

And her Tory colleague Councillor Gavin Smithers added: "We must be careful not to put hurdles in people's way and we must make the process as simple as possible so tenants want to become involved."

Mr Cartwright said maintaining tenants' initial interest and commitment would be the greatest challenge.

But he added: "It isn't rocket science.

"The project will take time, effort and resources but it is up to the council to be supportive and committed to the scheme.

"What we will end up with is a better, more responsive service, run by those best equipped to manage it."