Review of housing in Newcastle

A report due to be discussed by the council’s Cabinet on Monday 24 July sets out a number of different options for managing housing services in the city.

The options are the result of a housing review by the council which considered changes to regulations and the growing financial challenges social housing is facing. 

The review identified three options for the way the council and Your Homes Newcastle, the council’s arms-length management organisation, (ALMO) deliver housing services in Newcastle.

One proposal would see all housing-related services delivered by the council brought together in one place without any changes to YHN. The other options are to transfer all housing related services to YHN or to bring YHN back in‑house.

Council officers are recommending the option that brings YHN back in-house.

According to the report, if this option is chosen, all housing related services would be part of one team. This would free up resources which the council would invest in the housing stock and services for tenants. 

If the Cabinet Members decide that bringing all housing services back in house is their preferred option, the council will carry out a consultation with tenants and local residents as well as staff and trade unions before a final decision is made.

A council spokesperson said “Providing good quality housing is a key priority for the city council.

“We carried out a review to see if there are ways we can improve the way we deliver housing services that will help us to achieve our aim of offering a range of housing options to meet the diverse needs of all our residents.

“We are now considering the options, but no changes will be made until we have carried out an extensive consultation with all those involved.”

A spokesperson for the YHN board said: “The board of YHN are committed to working with the council to support the delivery of excellent housing services to our tenants.

“We will support the council throughout the process once a decision is made.”