A COUNCIL preparing to transfer its homes to a new landlord has identified the housing association it wants to work with.

Endeavour Housing Association has been recommended as the partner in Teesdale District Council's housing stock transfer.

A selection panel of four tenants, four councillors and two members of staff made the recommendation from a shortlist of three housing associations

The council will now work with Endeavour to set up a not-for-profit association that would own and manage the council's housing.

Council tenants will have the final say in the housing stock transfer and there will be a postal vote on the issue next spring.

Councillor Pauline Charlton, a member of the selection panel, said: "We were very impressed with all three associations and we are grateful for the time they put in to developing ideas for a quality housing service across Teesdale district.

"We are now looking forward to working with Endeavour, to put together a proposal which our tenants will support in the ballot."

The council wants to transfer its housing stock because, under Government rules, a housing association would be able to spend more on maintenance and improvement of homes than the council could.

The housing association is likely to be called Teesdale Housing Association.

It would develop a standard for improving homes and services, known as the Teesdale Standard, which would exceed the Decent Homes Standard.

The housing association would be run by an equal number of tenants, councillors and independent experts. The council's housing staff would also transfer to the association service.

The selection of Endeavour is subject to final discussion with the housing association and ratification of the choice by a meeting of the council on July 7.