TENANTS in Taunton Deane's 6,000 council homes are expected to vote soon on who they want as their landlord.

A ballot on whether to stay with Taunton Deane Council or be transferred to a new independent housing association is set to get the go-ahead at Tuesday's special executive and council meeting.

The result would be announced before Christmas.

Tenants have received details of the proposed changes, while council officers have visited homes to explain the arguments.

A phone poll revealed 38% of those questioned backed the transfer, 22% opposed it, while 40% were uncommitted.

A report to Tuesday's meeting claims keeping things as they are would lead to a shortfall of £1.85million a year, jobs losses and services cuts, but voting yes would produce an extra £6million.

Council leader Cllr John Williams (Conservative) has urged tenants to "listen to the facts not the fiction".

Mr Williams said: "It's vital all tenants receive full and accurate information about what transfer would mean for their homes and their neighbourhoods to enable them to make an informed decision about the future.

"However, information circulated recently by local opponents to housing transfer contains information that's wrong on many important matters including rent levels, tenants' rights, privatisation and accountability.

"Not only does this show a disregard for the ability of tenants to be able to make a decision based on the full facts, it is also playing politics with people's lives.

"We accept that there are those who oppose transfer on ideological grounds - but we'd say ideology does not pay for new kitchens and bathrooms, doesn't mend roofs and fencing and doesn't secure a healthy future for all tenants in Taunton Deane.

"We remain committed to supporting transfer as the only available option that would deliver the standard of service and improvements that tenants have told us they want."

Cllr Ross Henley, who leads the LibDems at Deane House, opposes the transfer.

Mr Henley said: "It is for the tenants to decide and all parties must accept their decision.

"Parties shouldn't claim people were misinformed if the vote goes against their wishes.

"I'm a little concerned by some of John Williams's comments - he shouldn't insult tenants' intelligence by suggesting they're unable to make up their own minds."