HOUSING chiefs have declared war on "red tape" by going hi-tech in a bid to make renting Bolton homes hassle-free.

Bolton has won a bid to be one of only 27 authorities nationwide to take part in a Government sponsored Choice-based Lettings Scheme.

The aim is to simplify the process of getting a Council or Housing Association home and make picking up the keys almost as easy as buying a new car or shopping for a holiday.

Details of homes for rent, both from the Council and Housing Associations, will be advertised estate agent-style and people will be able to follow up their interest through coupons, on the telephone or by calling in to offices.

And for people on the Internet the process will be even easier. They will be able to click on to a property of their choice, view it, and register an interest on-line.

Bolton Council's Executive Member for Housing, Cllr Noel Spencer said: "Attitudes are changing. Renting property is a competitive business and public housing has to respond to this new market. We believe that with these changes people looking for a new home will have more choice including better access to information and a bigger choice of properties."

"I'm delighted that the bid from our Housing Department and Bolton Community Homes, the Council's partnership company which works with the housing associations, has been successful.

"It gives us the freedom to explore a new concept which, hopefully, will be of major benefit to those looking for a home."

The council chief added: "If we can make the whole process less bureaucratic it's going to benefit everyone. It's an innovative and exciting scheme."