The five-year deal will start in October this year and be shared equally by both contractors.

Lovell and Kier will jointly carry out extensive home repair and replacement works ranging from kitchen, bathroom, boiler and central heating system upgrades, to installing new doors, windows and electrical re-wiring.

Councillor Bayliss, Portfolio holder for Housing and Customer Services, said: “Improving the quality of tenants’ homes to meet the Decent Homes Standard by 2015 is a key priority for the Council, and I’m delighted we are working with Lovell in delivering these improvements.”

Lovell regional director Noel Adams said: “North West Leicestershire District Council has a very positive and committed approach to improving the quality of people’s homes up to and beyond Decent Homes Standard and we’re delighted to be one of the Council’s chosen partners.

“Lovell has leading expertise in delivering major refurbishment programmes such as this and we look forward to working closely with residents and the Council throughout the five-year partnership.”