NEW kitchens and bathrooms are coming the way of council tenants following the announcement of a £35 million grant from the Secretary of State.

More than 15,000 council homes in Hounslow could be transferred to a new 'arm's length organisation' following the Department of Transport, London and the Regions' generous grant.

The cash boost will fund improvements to housing stock during the next two years to ensure the properties meet the government's 'decent homes standard' within a decade.

Chris Langstaff, director of housing at Hounslow Council, said: "This will provide us with a tremendous opportunity to deliver first class council housing and improve on our successes so far.

"We work very closely with tenants, MPs and the government, and it is only because of this relationship that we have been able to apply for this package."

Mr Langstaff said the £35 million represents £2,500 for every council house and will fund major improvements such as replacement windows, bathrooms and even kitchens.

"A start has been made and we are already improving a great number of our homes, so I have faith that we can continue apace in the future," he said.

The successful allocation means that Hounslow is on target for up to £90 million of funding over the next four years. This will be secured once the government completes its Comprehensive Spending Review next year.

Alf Chandler, chairman of the Hounslow Federation of Tenants' and Residents' Associations (HFTRA), said: "This is wonderful news for tenants and it means we will be able to see the improvements we have been seeking for some time.

"Housing has been underfunded for too long and it is good to see more money being put in by the government to ensure our homes are of a decent standard."

Councillors will be presented with a proposal to pursue the arm's length option at the full council meeting later this month. Hounslow will then carry out a test of tenant opinion before going ahead with the scheme.

By.Sherelle Folkes