A BIG shake-up of the way people qualify for a council house could be on the agenda.

The local authority's allocations policy is one of the first things to come under the microscope of a new scrutiny and review panel.

Tory councillor Roy Walker told colleagues that the council must be careful "not to overload certain streets with crime and drugs" when houses became available.

Labour councillor Mike Connolly agreed that the policy on allocations was a major issue, as was the way the council worked in partnership with tenants.

Coun Walker also told Tuesday's (June 15) panel, which takes a close look at housing, social services and health issues, that he wanted home helps and pest control charges to be scrutinised.

The panel agreed to hold a special meeting next month to draw up a list of work priorities for the year.

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