COUNCIL bosses are hailing a government report on housing services in South Tyneside.

The regional office of the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions has praised the borough council's housing department over how it delivers its services.

The council has rent levels among the lowest of any authority in the country and extremely low management costs.

South Tyneside is classed as "above average" compared with other authorities in the North-East.

The report describes the council's housing strategy as a comprehensive corporate document, with tenant consultation, and activities to combat anti-social behaviour being given a priority.

The delivery of the housing capital programme is good, with continued monitoring to ensure schemes are delivered on time and within budget.

The government office also acknowledges that housing management is generally effective, but does say the re-let times for empty properties could be more demanding.

Council leader Paul Waggott said: "The annual assessment is an important factor in determining the level of investment made available by Government for improvements to the borough's housing stock.

"I am delighted with the assessment and acknowledgement that this has been achieved at a relatively low cost."