MORE than one in four ex-council houses fails to meet the Government's decent homes standards, latest health reports reveal. The Department of Health's Health profile for North Somerset shows that 26 per cent of the council's former housing stock fails th

MORE than one in four ex-council houses fails to meet the Government's decent homes standards, latest health reports reveal.The Department of Health's Health profile for North Somerset shows that 26 per cent of the council's former housing stock fails the standards.It means those homes are not wind and weather tight, warm and don't have modern facilities.Housing association North Somerset Housing (NSH) bought the council's homes in February this year. The association is currently spending £39 million on upgrading homes that were left in a poor condition under council control.Councillor Muriel Kraft said: "I think it's a disgrace that in the 21st century houses are not up to standard."I hope North Somerset Housing will right this wrong and I have every confidence that they will."The council made £27.1million in the sale of more than 6,500 homes to the association.NSH has set a target to make all homes reach the North Somerset Standard, which is higher than the Government target, by 2010.A NSH spokeswoman said: "At transfer 40 per cent of the homes did not meet the decent homes standard. North Somerset Housing is investing £39 million to ensure that the homes meet the higher North Somerset standard by 2010. A total of £159 million will be spent on major works and improvements to the homes and estates over 30 years.