Lettings Policy

When: December 2023 - January 2024

Number of responses: 513

The Council's housing Lettings Policy was last reviewed in 2021 and current demand for council homes in North Tyneside has never been higher. With more than 3,600 applicants on the Housing Waiting List and fewer than 100 homes empty and available to be let, demand far outweighs the housing supply in North Tyneside. Therefore, we regularly review our Lettings Policy to ensure we prioritise those with the greatest need to apply for homes suitable to their needs and we make the best use of our council homes, which are in short supply.

This consultation ran from 5 December 2023 to 7 January 2024 and proposed changes to the Housing Lettings Policy. The proposed changes included strengthening the criteria of the bandings, which is the priority level assigned to applicants based on their individual needs, and monitoring applicants in the highest bandings to ensure they are actively applying for homes. An online survey was publicised on the council’s website and direct links to the survey were emailed to everyone on the housing register, welcoming their views on the proposed changes. Posters regarding the consultation and paper copies of the survey were available in Customer First Centres for those with no online access.

We received 513 responses to the questionnaire and the findings of this consultation will be used to help inform any changes to the policy, ensuring we prioritise those with the greatest housing need and make the best use of our council homes.

A report is due to go before the council's Cabinet in July 2024.

When: December 2023 - January 2024

Number of responses: 513

The Council's housing Lettings Policy was last reviewed in 2021 and current demand for council homes in North Tyneside has never been higher. With more than 3,600 applicants on the Housing Waiting List and fewer than 100 homes empty and available to be let, demand far outweighs the housing supply in North Tyneside. Therefore, we regularly review our Lettings Policy to ensure we prioritise those with the greatest need to apply for homes suitable to their needs and we make the best use of our council homes, which are in short supply.

This consultation ran from 5 December 2023 to 7 January 2024 and proposed changes to the Housing Lettings Policy. The proposed changes included strengthening the criteria of the bandings, which is the priority level assigned to applicants based on their individual needs, and monitoring applicants in the highest bandings to ensure they are actively applying for homes. An online survey was publicised on the council’s website and direct links to the survey were emailed to everyone on the housing register, welcoming their views on the proposed changes. Posters regarding the consultation and paper copies of the survey were available in Customer First Centres for those with no online access.

We received 513 responses to the questionnaire and the findings of this consultation will be used to help inform any changes to the policy, ensuring we prioritise those with the greatest housing need and make the best use of our council homes.

A report is due to go before the council's Cabinet in July 2024.