THE future of Worcester's council homes was still in limbo today after city leaders deferred a decision.

Councillors were set to discuss whether the city's 5,200 homes should be transferred to a new landlord or for an arms-length company to take over daily management of the houses.

They have been forced to make a decision because the council says it cannot afford the upkeep of all the houses.

But Coun Gary Kibblewhite last night tabled a motion before full council that any decision be delayed so the social services committee could research a report from officers, based on the Government's consultation paper of arms-length management of local housing.

"We need time to consider its implications," said Coun Kibblewhite, chairman of the social services committee.

He proposed that it next be discussed at a full council meeting on Tuesday, January 30.

The motion was agreed.

Labour councillor David Bannister then tabled another motion that the council should carry out a consultation with all tenants and give them a ballot on both options.

Heated argument

But his proposal was defeated.

Despite members of full council agreeing Coun Kibblewhite's motion within minutes, they continued to discuss the subject for more than two hours.

The argument often became heated, with independent councillor Mike Layland being accused by David Bannister of doing a U-turn.

At a meeting last month, Coun Layland proposed all options be explored again, having previously voted with the Conservatives to transfer the homes to a newly-created registered landlord.

Politics

Following last night's meeting, he said there was too much politics involved.

"There's an election next year and all they're doing is using this as a political football," he said.

"What Gary Kibblewhite proposed made sense. We need to have as much information as possible to make sure we make the right decision."