EAST Dorset Housing Association is the chosen partner for a proposed new social housing scheme in Purbeck.

Purbeck district council is currently consulting tenants over the idea of transferring its stock of 1,650 homes to a new housing group made up of EDHA and Purbeck Housing Trust.

The council is setting up Purbeck Housing Trust which will be made up mostly of its own staff.

Council tenants will vote on the proposed transfer by secret ballot this autumn.

The idea is to pool resources and gain access to more central government funding.

Robin James, housing services manager at Purbeck district council, said: "As a housing association we would be able to borrow more money. A housing association is funded in a totally different way so far more money would be available to be spent responsibly."

Many properties on the council's books have kitchens and bathrooms dating back to the 1950s which need improving.

Mr James said: "There is millions of pounds worth of work to be done just to bring properties up to recognised standards. Day to day repairs we would like to think we are up to date with."

John Earley, chief executive of EDHA, said: "We are delighted to have been selected by the council to work with Purbeck Housing Trust.

"EDHA has remained a locally-based association, working in Dorset and the surrounding area and is committed to delivering high quality services and being fully accountable to tenants and the wider community.

"We are greatly encouraged that Purbeck has recognised our achievements and look forward to developing a partnershp which will bring real benefits not only to existing tenants but also to the large number of people in housing need throughout Purbeck."

Mr James said: "Tenants, members and staff agreed with the choice of EDHA because their approach is highly compatible with ours. Importantly for us, their track record is very good. For example, EDHA, has met all of the improvement promises given to the tenants before their ballot 12 years ago."