A COUNCIL'S plan to transfer all its homes to an independent company have taken a major step forward, with tenants promised a key role.

Sunderland Housing Group has been chosen by Sedgefield Borough Council to help with the delivery of its housing stock transfer proposal, which it says will bring £116m of investment into the borough.

Last month, the council announced that a proposal to transfer stock was the best option to secure investment and improvement, not just to homes but to estates and neighbourhoods.

Tenants will take part in an independent ballot on the proposals. If they vote in favour, Sunderland Housing Group will help the council to set up a new not-for-profit local housing company, which will take over the ownership and management of the council's 9,400 homes.

The newly established company would be based in the Sedgefield borough and would be able to access and invest the £116m needed to improve council homes, services and communities.

Council leader Bob Fleming said: "The council has taken a major step towards delivering the quality of homes, service and communities tenants have a right to expect.

"Right from the start tenants have been our priority. They will continue to play a key role in the management of their homes.

"Tenants will sit on the board of management of the new organisation and have a real say in how it manages their homes. Over the next few months we will give tenants the facts about the transfer leading up to the ballot. Tenants will decide."

A panel of elected members, staff and tenants recommended Sunderland Housing Group ahead of five transfer proposals put forward by other housing organisations in the region.

Tenant and panel member Emma Jones said: "Tenants have been involved from day one. We have been consulted on the type of landlord we want for Sedgefield.

"Over the coming months we will be working with the council and Sunderland Housing Group to ensure tenants get the homes and housing service they have a right to expect. It will then be up to tenants to decide if the transfer goes ahead."