Some council stock is in desperate need of repair

It has been estimated that if they were sold on the open market they would reach around �200m.

But the council says it is unfair to make this kind of comparison.

On Monday councillors will consider whether the bid from the Scottish Borders Housing Association would be value for money.

Some tenants have expressed concern about the plans but they have been offered safeguards including a promise that rents will not go up by more than �2.50 per week every year.

The Scottish Executive sees the proposals as a model for other councils to follow.

Concerns voiced

Tenants are due to vote on the plan later in November.

The transfer of council housing stock to single housing associations with the possibility of future public-private funding partnership has caused some controversy.

With the exception of the Scottish National Party and the Scottish Socialists, the main political parties north of the Border are in favour of the move.

The Scottish Trade Union Congress voiced concerns over the future rents costs and council workers' job stability should the transfer go through and housing associations approach banks and other financial institutions to loan them money for repairs.