City of York Council flat tenants could get new digital aerials, if councillors agree to proposals at a meeting next month (Monday 10 December).

Councillors will be asked to approve plans to upgrade the communal aerials in the majority of blocks of flats in preparation for the switch over to digital reception in 2011.

Under the proposals, council flats would be installed with Integrated Reception Systems (IRS), which allow residents to choose between digital satellite or digital terrestrial (Freeview), as well as receiving the existing analogue TV. The new system would also give them access to DAB/FM radio and the possibility of CCTV/Information systems.

If members agree to implement the scheme, tenants in the majority of council-owned flats inYork would have the same choices as those in houses and the council would be able to ban satellite dishes.

It is proposed that the work could be funded by increasing the current charge to tenants of 17p a week* for the maintenance of their communal aerial to 50p per week*.

It's hoped that by making the changes in advance of the digital switch over, the council can take a planned approach to the change over, ensuring value for money.

If the proposal is approved a programme of work will be drafted up and customers will be consulted on the detail of the scheme.

ENDS

* (for 48 weeks of the year)