COUNCIL tenants in Worcester are to be consulted on the possibility of transferring their housing out of city council control.

The council believes that transferring its homes to a "not-for-profit" organisation is the only way to secure the level of investment needed to improve and modernise its housing stock.

Most have never had replacement double-glazed windows, new fitted kitchens or replacement bathrooms - and some need their central heating systems upgraded.

City councillors have approved a document outlining what the transfer to Worcester Community Housing would mean to tenants and what they could expect to happen.

Tenants will have the chance to have their say on the proposals when the document is sent out in May.

During the consultation period, housing officers will visit as many tenants as possible, individually or in groups, to talk through any queries.

Tenants will then be balloted on the possible transfer in July.

Within six years of transfer the council, which will monitor the performance of Worcester Community Housing, wants to see £55m being spent on tenants' homes.

Councillor Roger Berry, chairman of the housing policy and review committee, which recommended that the housing board approve the proposals, said members' only concern was that the document was made easy to read.

"It needs to be understandable but we felt it was rather complex," he said.

"We were told that they were going to make a video and produce leaflets, which assuaged some of our fears.

"The intention is also to talk to as many tenants as possible."