Thousands of homes in West Sussex could be privatised by the end of the year.

Chichester and Horsham district councils have been given the go-ahead by the Government to transfer their housing stock to privately-run companies.

The move will only go ahead if tenants agree. Ballots are to take place across the Chichester district in May and the Horsham district at the end of this month.

About 5,510 homes in Chichester could be handed over to Chichester District Community Housing and 4,807 homes in Horsham could be transferred to Saxon Weald Homes Ltd.

Both councils say the transfer is the best way to generate funds for themselves for future development and is the only way rents can be kept at affordable levels for tenants.

Government housing minister Nick Raynsford said: "Transfer can

offer benefits for tenants. The new landlord must plan for proper maintenance and future repairs.

"Increased investment means that any backlog of repairs can be carried out more quickly. Rent increases are normally limited by a guarantee that rents will not rise by more than one per cent above inflation for the first five years."

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