Council estates in North East Derbyshire are set to benefit from a government backed multi-million pound improvement programme. 

The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has announced the first slice of ALMO funding by granting £5m to North East Derbyshire District Council to spend on their homes in 2010/11.

The funding will allow Rykneld Homes, the Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO) which manages the Council's 8,100 homes, to deliver its improvement plan to estates and neighbourhoods.  Rykneld is now negotiating with the government for funding for future years to complete the Decent Homes programme.

Cllr Graham Baxter, Leader of NEDDC, said: "This is fantastic news for the district.  This funding means that, together with our partners, we can deliver very real improvements to the homes of even more of our tenants - one of our key priorities."

Linda Henstock, Chair of Rykneld Homes, said: "This is wonderful news for tenants and allows us to go forward with confidence.

"I would like to place on record, my grateful thanks to everyone who assisted us to achieve the two stars.  This truly was a team effort and a testament to what you can achieve when everyone is geared towards achieving the same goal."

Su Gomer, Chief Executive of Rykneld Homes, said: "We are delighted with the HCA award of £5m for this year and the news that we are in a position to receive funding in future years.  This is great news for tenants.

"Both Rykneld Homes and the Council are keen to work with the government to create home and communities in North East Derbyshire where people want to live and where they feel safe.  Our Decent Neighbourhoods programme is about achieving that."

Alan Jess, Chair of the Federation of North East Derbyshire Tenants and Residents, said: "The Federation feels this is extremely good news for tenants of Rykneld Homes.  This funding for the 2010/11 spending round will guarantee the plans in place for Decent Homes and Neighbourhoods."