A SPECIALLY set-up project board is to oversee the potential transfer of Salisbury district council's housing stock to a newly established housing association.

Following the council's decision to pursue a transfer, its cabinet was due to set the wheels in motion yesterday, by approving the formation of a project board, which will include councillors from all political parties and a member of the tenants' panel.

But before any transfer of the 5,450 homes can occur, the decision will have to be ratified by tenants, who will be given the chance to vote on the future of council homes in Salisbury district.

The project board will oversee a period of intense activity lasting up to 18 months, including:

initial consultation with tenants on their major areas of concern relating to stock transfer;

issuing a formal offer document to tenants, with a further period of consultation;

setting up a shadow board for the proposed new landlord;

agreeing on the type and nature of the proposed new landlord;

agreeing a draft contract between the council and the proposed new landlord;

developing priorities for the use of capital receipts received by the council;

a tenants' ballot to be held in about 14 to 18 months' time.

Break points will be built into the programme to allow the council to halt the process should it become clear that tenants will not vote in favour of transfer.

Portfolio holder for community and housing John Cole-Morgan said: "Ultimately, it is the tenants who will decide their future, but it is important we present all the facts to them."