TENANTS have been given a "long-term commitment" over the management and investment of a city's council housing stock.

Durham City Council has pledged that tenants will also be given more say over future decision-making relating to housing.

City council cabinet housing portfolio holder Councillor Dennis Southwell gave the pledge after considering a detailed report into the state of council housing in Durham.

It follows a recent heavy vote by tenants in favour of the council retaining control of the housing stock.

Coun Southwell said: "The tenants of Durham City have always been at the heart of this process and they have overwhelmingly indicated that they wish the council to remain as their landlord.

"They will continue to be involved as we look at further improvements to the housing services, including new governance arrangements."

A survey of the state of housing has revealed that it requires an estimated £14m investment to reach "decent standard" by the year 2010.

Coun Southwell said the council's desired standards go over and above those recommended by the Government.

It includes renewing double-glazing in all properties every 30 years, an eight-year programme for up-dating heating systems, plus the fitting of security lighting at the front and back of homes.

Continuing consultation, which began in September, resulted in the recent survey of all 6,364 tenants.

It attracted a 44.2 per cent response rate, of which 95 per cent expressed a wish for the authority to continue to own and manage council housing.

Cabinet members agreed to comply with the wishes of tenants and retain control, with the adoption of its standards charter, and the commitment to continue to consult tenants over future issues relating to the housing stock.