HOUSING chiefs in Richmondshire have narrowed down their options as debate begins on the future of the district's council housing.

The administration is in the process of deciding if it should remain landlord to almost 2,000 households across the region, and the alternatives were numerous when a discussion began on the way ahead.

The council could opt for the status quo, hand the properties over to a housing association, create a council-sponsored association, set up an arm's-length company or decide on a private finance scheme to maintain its homes in future.

But just two options now remain after a vote by a special meeting of the full council; further research will now concentrate on the council keeping control or bringing in a housing association.

The next step is a survey into the condition of the district's council homes and a full valuation.

However, the authority has emphasised that tenants will be consulted before a final decision is made.