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Housing Support Information for Newcastle Residents

Published on: 07 Aug 2024

Housing Support Information for Newcastle Residents

Social Prescribing Link Workers support patients with various non-clinical needs, including housing support. While Link Workers are not housing workers and do not have the authority to allocate housing, they can provide valuable information on available services and options. Their input will not change your priority status for social housing with the local authority, nor will it make it easier to secure housing.

Understanding Your Housing Options

Council Housing & Housing Associations

Council housing and housing associations offer affordable homes managed by Newcastle City Council or non-profit organizations. These options are typically for those with specific housing needs.

  • Eligibility: Eligibility depends on factors like homelessness, overcrowding, medical conditions, or other vulnerabilities. Priority is usually given to those in urgent need, but waiting lists can be long.
  • How to Apply:
    • Your Homes Newcastle (YHN): The main provider of council housing in Newcastle. Contact YHN at 0191 278 8600 or visit yhn.org.uk to apply.
    • Housing Associations: Apply directly to associations such as:
  • Application Support Your Homes Newcastle and Newcastle City Library may offer help with applications.

Private Renting

  • Renting from private landlords offers flexibility and a broader choice of properties, although it can be more expensive than social housing.
  • Financial Assistance Housing benefits or Universal Credit may be available to cover rent if you are on a low income.
  • Finding Properties:

Temporary Accommodation

Temporary housing solutions, like hostels or bed-and-breakfasts, are available for those in immediate need.

  • Accessing Temporary Accommodation: Contact Newcastle City Council’s Housing Advice Centre at 0191 278 7878 for immediate help and to discuss available options.

Addressing Common Housing Issues

Homelessness

  • Immediate Help:
    • Newcastle City Council Housing Advice Centre: Call 0191 278 7878 for urgent assistance if you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
    • Shelter: Provides housing advice and support. Call 0808 800 4444 or visit shelter.org.uk.
    • Street Outreach Service: For rough sleepers, contact Newcastle Street Outreach at 0191 278 3899.

Rent Arrears

  • Financial Advice:
    • Citizens Advice Newcastle: Offers free, confidential advice on managing rent arrears and dealing with debt. Call 0191 229 2750 or visit citizensadvice-newcastle.org.uk.
    • Newcastle City Council Debt Advisors: They can help you develop repayment plans and explore other financial options. Contact the council for more details.
    • Support Options: You may qualify for Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) to cover rent shortfalls. Contact Newcastle City Council to apply.

Poor Housing Conditions

  • Legal Rights: Tenants have the right to live in safe, habitable homes. If your landlord does not maintain the property, you can take action.
  • Reporting Issues:

Changing Your Housing Band or Priority

 Understanding Housing Bands

Council housing in Newcastle is allocated based on a banding system, which prioritizes applicants according to their housing need. The band you are placed in determines how quickly you may be offered a home.

  • Band A: Urgent housing need (e.g., severe overcrowding, medical emergencies, or homelessness).
  • Band B: High housing need (e.g., serious medical conditions or significant overcrowding).
  • Band C: Moderate housing need (e.g., those seeking to move due to less severe conditions).
  • Band D: Low housing need (e.g., those with a desire to move but without urgent need).

 How to Change Your Band

If your circumstances change, you may be able to request a reassessment of your housing band. This could include a worsening medical condition, changes in your living situation, or other significant factors.

  • Steps to Take:
    • Document Your Situation: Gather evidence to support your case, such as medical reports, letters from professionals, or details of your current living conditions.
    • Contact Your Homes Newcastle (YHN): Request a reassessment by calling 0191 278 8600 or visiting [www.yhn.org.uk](http://www.yhn.org.uk).
    • Medical Assessments: If your health has deteriorated and this affects your housing need, provide medical evidence. YHN may refer your case to a medical advisor for review.
  • Professional Support: While SPLWs can help you navigate the process, their letters or input are unlikely to change your band. It’s more effective to obtain supporting letters or evidence from relevant professionals, such as:
    • GPs or Hospital Consultants: To confirm medical conditions affecting your housing need.
    • Social Workers: If they are involved in your care and can provide insights into your living situation.
    • Occupational Therapists: Especially if your current home is unsuitable due to mobility or disability issues.
  • Appeal Process: If you disagree with the band you’ve been assigned after reassessment, you have the right to appeal. This process involves submitting further evidence and explaining why you believe your band should be higher.
  • Important Considerations:
    • Changes in Circumstances: Always inform YHN of any significant changes in your circumstances, as this could impact your housing priority.
    • Support with Appeals: Organizations like Citizens Advice Newcastle can provide assistance with understanding the appeal process and gathering necessary documentation.

Getting Financial Support

 Housing Benefits

Available to those on low incomes. Eligibility depends on your earnings, savings, and personal circumstances.

  • Application: Apply through Newcastle City Council or directly via the UK government website – visit gov.uk/housing-benefit

Universal Credit

Housing costs can be included in your Universal Credit if eligible.

Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)

 Provides additional support when housing benefits do not cover your full rent.

Charitable Grants for Housing Costs and Household Items

  • Turn2us: Helps people access welfare benefits and grants. Use the Grant Search tool at turn2us.org.uk.
  • The Vicar’s Relief Fund (VRF): Provides small grants for rent arrears and essential items. Applications must be made by a professional on your behalf. Visit smitfc.org/our-grants/vrf.

Legal Responsibilities of the Council

Homelessness and Housing Duties

  • Definition of Homelessness: You are legally homeless if you have no legal right to occupy accommodation or it is unreasonable to stay in your current home (e.g., due to violence or severe disrepair).
  • Council’s Duties:
    • Prevention: The council must help if you are at risk of homelessness within 56 days.
    • Relief: The council must assist in finding suitable accommodation if you are already homeless.
    • Priority Need: The council must provide temporary accommodation if you have a priority need (e.g., families with children, pregnant women, vulnerable individuals).
  • Exemptions:
    • Intentionally Homeless: If you lost your home due to your actions, the council may limit the assistance provided.
    • Eligibility Restrictions: Some non-UK nationals may have limited access to housing assistance.

 Making a Homelessness Application

Reach out to Newcastle City Council Housing Advice Centre for assessment, advice, and a personalized housing plan.

 Useful Contacts and Resources

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