THE multi-million pound transfer of Worcester's council houses to a private company has been finalised.

The deal, worth around £12.5m, was due to be signed at lunchtime today between the city and Worcester Community Housing.

The not-for-profit company is now responsible for the 4,659 homes the authority offered as social housing. WCH is planning £40m in improvements to the stock over the next six years.

"It is rare to find a 'win-win' situation, but this transfer gives us just that," said city council chief executive David Wareing.

"We now look forward to working closely with Worcester Community Housing to provide our former tenants with the first-rate housing service they deserve.

Decision

The decision was endorsed by more than 75 per cent of the city's council house residents in a ballot last July.

They supported promises of rents being kept at an affordable level, while maintenance and improvement work - which the council could not afford - is carried out.

"The formal transfer is the start of a new era for social housing in the city," added Stewart Mountfield, chief executive of WCH.

"We are determined to make a real difference to our tenants' homes and neighbourhoods.

"So much hard work and preparation has gone into making this transfer possible but, in reality, the real work is only just beginning.

WCH will have offices in Farrier House, Farrier Street, as well as a helpline number for residents