DETERMINED council chiefs in Chorley have won their battle for a bigger share of government cash for housing improvements.

The borough is to receive an extra £150,000 from the Housing Investment Programme (HIP).

Council leader John Wilson said he was particularly pleased with the outcome since, once money has been allocated, there is usually no more on offer.

But he took their fight to the Under Secretary of State, Chris Mullins, and, with the help of Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle, they managed to thrash out a deal which enabled Chorley Borough Council to claim a higher subsidy on housing benefits.

Coun Wilson said: "If a council raises rents, most people will be able to afford the rise but the shortfall, which arises because those receiving housing benefits cannot pay, is subsidised by the Government."

He said that usually the Government puts a limit on how much they will subsidise, but to enable Chorley to pay for housing improvements, the Government agreed to subsidise up to the full rent increase of 9.4 per cent.

Coun Wilson said: "The extra £150,000 will be used for repairs and maintenance to the 3,500 council houses in Chorley.

"It's extremely good news for tenants and the people of Chorley."