A ROW has flared up over £1.5 million Selby authority bosses have not spent this year on council housing repairs.

Leaders of Selby District Council have been accused of neglecting tenants, after a report revealed that £1.49million of this year's £1.78 million major repairs allowance for council homes had not been spent.

Labour councillor Steve Shaw-Wright said: "I'm appalled. Most of my ward is council properties and I know people have got repairs wanting to be done.

"At a time when you haven't got the money, you can argue that you've no money, but when there is money sat there, I think it's criminal not to spend it."

But Coun Liz Casling, chairwoman of the council's social board, said the £1.5 million was part of a £14 million capital programme spread over several years, and the money would be spent.

"The capital programme, which includes the major repairs allowance, is part of the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan," she said.

"This explains how the council will reach the key milestone of 2010 when all council homes have to reach the government's Decent Homes Standard.

"It is a programme of work which includes all decent homes work and an extra kitchens programme.

"Council tenants worked with councillors to produce the plan and it has their support. In all £14 million will be spent to ensure the council fulfils its role as a good landlord."

Last December, tenants in Selby district were told they would not get vital improvements to their homes because of a shortfall in cash. Last March, they were balloted over the future of the council's housing stock. They voted overwhelmingly to keep their homes within council control, rejecting a proposal to sell them to a housing association.