COUNCIL house tenants who look after their homes and pay rent on time will be rewarded with home improvements and gift vouchers under new plans.

The incentives will cost Darlington Borough Council £45,000 a year - but the council said the scheme will recoup at least that amount.

The scheme will be approved at the council's cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

Councillor Bill Dixon, deputy council leader, said the incentives would "help to improve communities".

Conservative leader Councillor Heather Scott and Liberal Democrat leader Councillor Martin Swainston - both non-voting members of cabinet - have welcomed the scheme.

The Audit Commission, an independent body that ensures public money is spent well, said similar schemes across the country are successful.

To join, tenants need:

* A clear rent account for six weeks,

* No breaches of tenancy, such as anti-social behaviour or an untidy garden

* To sign-up to a neighbourhood agreement.

Rewards would include being offered major improvements, such as new kitchens and bathrooms. Those with rent arrears, or complaints of anti-social behaviour, would need six months' "good behaviour" before being considered.

Tenants paying rent by direct debit, instead of at the Post Office, would get gift vouchers because that saves the council £24 a tenant each year.

Also, people who give four weeks' notice when leaving a house and leave it tidy will be rewarded with £150.

Coun Dixon said: "These schemes have worked elsewhere because, not only do they save money, it means the tenants who behave well are rewarded and have access to other services."

Coun Swainston approved of the scheme, but said it would need reviewing.

"Something like this needs to be on a year review. If it increases rent revenue, it would be a positive step, but the last thing the Lib Dems want to do is agree to something for ever."

When the scheme gets approval, a six-month consultation will take place with tenants.