Barnet Council is giving its tenants two options about how to pay for the Government's 'decent homes standard' for all council homes by 2010.

The standard stipulates that all homes must be in a good state of repair, and have modern kitchens, bathrooms and heating systems. The council currently has around 8,000 homes not already being redeveloped in regeneration schemes. An estimated £6 million is needed to make the required improvements, something which the council cannot afford.

The money can be raised in two ways, according to cabinet member for housing, Councillor Brian Salinger. The first is stock transfer', where tenants and leaseholders can vote to transfer ownership of their properties to a housing association who can then borrow money to carry out improvements.

The second option is the setting up of not-for-profit Arms Length Management Organisations (ALMOs). Here, the council would remain landlords, but will manage estates alongside independent housing professionals and tenants. ALMOs can borrow money like housing associations, providing the management meets high government standards.

The previous Labour-led council preferred ALMOs, but Mr Salinger said on Monday that he does not mind which option residents prefer.

A four-page document will be sent to all council tenants and leaseholders, while the council's green consultation paper Better Homes for Barnet is available by calling 020 8359 4915. Residents can offer feedback on the papers until August 1.

June 25, 2002 15:30