HOUSING in Newport is set to receive a £10 million boost, council bosses announced.

The cash, secured from the National Assembly and private housing associations, will be spent regenerating the current housing stock, making use of empty properties and providing more affordable housing.

Newport city council has secured almost £6.2 million through the Welsh Assembly executive's Social Housing Grant Programme.

Coupled with private finance from housing associations, the figure has now been taken to over £10 million.

The cash injection comes despite the cloud hanging over the future of the council's housing stock, which is currently being investigated by an independent commission.

Newport Housing Commission is considering how the council can bring all of its houses up to the Welsh Housing Quality Standard by 2012.

Among the options open to the commission is placing all housing out of council-control and into the hands of tenants and housing associations.

But for now, the council says its key priorities are:

Continuing the prefab replacement project.

Identifying empty properties in Newport, renovating and making them available for council tenants.

Regenerating Broadmead and Moorland Park. The first stage of the project will include the construction of four new houses.

Increasing the availability of affordable housing. Applicants will be able to purchase a property on the open market for 70 per cent of the purchase price, with the Housing Association retaining a 30 per cent equity share. Around ten properties will be available through this scheme.

Improving older person's accommodation and supported housing schemes.

Cabinet member for adult and housing services, Councillor Paul Cockeram said: "We welcome this increased investment from the Welsh Assembly with which we can make substantial improvements in our key priority areas."