Council tenants in Oxford can receive modifications to their homes for religious reasons.

Oxford City Council has agreed to promote the fact that money is available for ethnic minority tenants for home adaptations - such as making sure they had gas cookers if their religion stipulated food must be cooked over an open flame.

However, some councillors warned that the policy was divisive and that all tenants should be treated the same.

The money is one part of the council's 'black and ethnic minority housing strategy'. Adaptations are paid for from a £50,000 'diversity fund'.

Independent city councillor Dr Tia MacGregor, a Muslim, said: "What this strategy is saying is if you want something because of your faith, you get it. What about Jedi Knights - would they have a cupboard fitted to put their light sabres in?

"If the council wants a budget for home improvements they have to be for everyone, you can't discriminate in terms of their faith."

Faith-based adaptations became council policy after it was revealed tenants received the same service regardless of religion.

Independent Working Class Association leader Stuart Craft said: "This is a potential recruiting document for the British National Party - it's nonsense and it's unfair. This is a secular society, the council should not be pandering to separate religions."

Council deputy leader David Rundle said: "This is part of a much wider programme of choice for tenants and ensuring we are culturally sensitive.

"It's not going to be a drain on resources, it's about recognising and working with the variety of people in the city and realising they are not all identikit."