COUNCIL bosses have revealed the £2million set aside to improve housing in Hyndburn is nothing compared to the amount available if the stock was transferred to private landlords.

The money allocated for the 12-month revamp will be approved this week, likely to be around £2million.

But bosses looking to hand the stock over to a housing organisation, said the cash could increase after the transfer. A spokesman for Hyndburn Council said: "The council recently carried out a survey into the condition of its homes and found it cannot afford to bring them up to the Government-required Decent Homes Standard by the 2010 deadline.

"And it would not have the money needed in the future to maintain homes at this standard, or make further improvements to homes, estates and the housing service to meet tenants' aspirations."

Council tenants are now being asked to consider transferring from the council to the new, not-for-profit housing organisation, which would be able to access more cash.

This year, the council is to spend around £7,000 on smoke detectors, £20,000 upgrading insulation and more than £500,000 replacing windows.

But the council argue that a housing organisation would be able to provide much more work and investment than the cash-strapped local authority.

A council spokesman said: "This organisation would not face the same financial constraints as the council."