Lib Dem Liverpool could soon be sharing control of all its 19,000 council homes with tenants.

In consultation with tenants, Lib Dem housing chiefs have come up with pioneering plans which could see them taking an active role in all aspects of the management and maintenance of their homes.

The ground-breaking scheme, which is unique for a city of this size, will see tenants trained to become board members of a new landlord organisation.

The new landlord would be registered as a housing association and would be able to raise the cash to modernise council homes. Thousands of tenants could have their windows replaced, kitchens replaced and modern central heating systems installed.

Following months of high-level talks, government officials have agreed that Liverpool's planned 'mutual' housing organisation meets their stringent requirements and have given approval for further talks about funding.

Tenants will be asked next year to vote on whether to transfer their home to the new 'mutual' landlord. If a majority of those voting support the transfer, the new organisation will be able to borrow money to bring the homes up to scratch.

Councillor Flo Clucas, Lib Dem executive member for housing, said: "Getting this idea approved is a fantastic achievement and testament to the hard work of the council officers and tenant representatives who've worked together to make this happen.

"We want to improve our tenants' homes and this gives us the opportunity to do so. At the same time it keeps tenants in control and it means that the rent they pay will be spent looking after their housing stock. We want to give control of our housing stock to the people best able to look after it - the tenants who have in many cases lived in their homes for years. But the final decision on whether or not to transfer will lie with tenants."

Government financial support and restrictions in setting council house rents, means the city is unable to afford the £182 million needed to bring its properties up to the government's Decent Homes Standard by 2010.

Tenants are currently being recruited to train as board members so they can step into the role if the stock transfer goes ahead.

Independent Tenant Advisors DWA can give advice to council tenants on a free phone number - 0800 0855 492