Housing Strategy 2023-2028

Our vision is to ‘Build a Better North Tyneside’. We will do this by providing high quality homes that meet of all our residents needs. The policy context, evidence and consultation have led us to identify five goals:

1. Deliver Affordable Homes and Support Regeneration Plans
2. Prevent Homelessness and Improve our Specialist Housing Offer
3. Improve the Private Rented Sector and Tackle Derelict Properties
4. Lead the Way – Greener Homes to Support Carbon Net-Zero by 2030
5. Support our Tenants and Residents and Improve Our Communities

1: Deliver Affordable Homes and Support Regeneration Plans

Our population continues to grow, and demand is high for all types of housing. As the cost of living and house prices go up, the Council has set an ambitious goal of 5,000 new affordable homes.

Useable land is a challenge, and we will continue to explore using brownfield sites. We will work with a wide range of partners, including our wholly owned subsidiary housing companies. We will also consider innovative new models for delivery.

Our plans recognise the importance that housing plays in regeneration. We will ensure that housing will be central in the our regeneration master plans.

How will we achieve this?

• Deliver the Affordable Homes Programme.
• Implement an affordability plan to access low-cost home ownership.
• Work with our partners to fund building on brownfield sites. This will support the delivery of new homes in the right places.
• Increase delivery and innovation through the North Tyneside Trading Company.
• Deliver housing growth through the Local Plan and accelerate delivery of pipeline sites.
• Develop housing-led regeneration plans and focus on opportunities in our town centres.

2: Prevent Homelessness and Improve our Specialist Housing Offer

Homelessness is a complex issue that can have a negative effect on people and families for years. Our Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2023-28 will provide an approach to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping, providing support to our residents.

This strategy recognises the need to plan strategically. It will provide a wide range of accommodation that meets the needs of different groups, both now and in the future.

Care and support needs can change over a person’s life. Likewise, the demand for supported housing is increasing. This means planning for an ageing population and those with more complex needs relating to:

• Homelessness
• Mental health
• Learning disabilities
• Autism

How will we achieve this?

• Review our approach to ending rough sleeping.
• Improve our accommodation offers in the Borough.
• Strengthen our collaborative partnerships to tackle homelessness.
• Increase support for the mental health and wellbeing of our residents.
• Refresh the Market Position Statement to identify future specialist needs.

3: Improve the Private Rented Sector and Tackle Derelict Properties

There are many benefits of tackling empty properties. We will target abandoned properties, and work with homeowners to lower their numbers. Then, we will bring them back into use as affordable homes where possible.

How will we achieve this?

• Continue to reduce the number of long-term empty homes.
• Target derelict homes and commercial properties.
• Continue to work with landlords to drive up quality in the private rented sector.
• Develop new solutions to reduce the number of derelict buildings.
• Explore options for a new Landlord Accreditation and Licensing Schemes.

4: Lead the Way – Greener Homes to Support Carbon Net-Zero by 2030

North Tyneside Council declared a climate emergency in 2019. As such, ambitious targets have been set to reduce our carbon footprint. We know that 22% of carbon emissions come from the way homes are powered and heated. In North Tyneside:

• 13% of homes are in fuel poverty
• 59% of homes have a lower energy efficiency rating of D-G.

Owner occupiers and private rented properties have higher levels of fuel poverty. We will build new homes free from fossil fuels and use new methods to deliver energy efficient homes.

How will we achieve this?

• Ensure all new Council homes are built to 2025 standards and free from fossil fuels.
• Improve energy efficiency of our existing stock.
• Reduce heat loss and add new technology to older Council homes.
• Maximise grant funding to deliver energy efficiency measures in homes across the Borough.
• Provide a framework for low carbon energy installers. We will do this by working with the North of Tyne Combined Authority.
• Explore ways to make homes better for green energy.

5: Support our Tenants and Residents and Improve Our Communities

Housing is a major part in the quality of neighbourhoods and the health of our communities. We will create safe, healthy, sustainable places and communities, as outlined in our Equally Well Plan 2021-25.

We recognise the impact that the rising cost of living is having on many of our residents. Continuing to provide advice and support for people in need is a clear priority.

We know that our residents want the freedom to stay in their own homes for as long and safely possible. To do this, we will providing advice, support, aids, and adaptations to achieve this.

The Social Housing White Paper sets out a plan to make sure residents in social housing are:

• Safe
• Listened to
• Live in good quality homes.

We will continue to please tenants, residents, and service users with our homes and services.

How will we achieve this?

• Provide support and advice to tackle fuel poverty and the cost-of-living crisis.
• Continue to meet the Decent Homes Standard in all Council homes.
• Ensure our communities stay clean, safe and welcoming.
• Continue to crack down on tackle anti-social behaviour.
• Support Veterans of our Armed Forces.
• Increase support and advice to residents to remain independent and in their homes.
• Continue to develop our approach to engaging with home owners.