Appendix 1: 2024-25 Delivery Programme
Priority 1- Improve our Private Rented Sector
Actions
- Enhance our approach to supporting private landlords and tenants.
| Action | When |
|---|---|
| Complete a landlord survey to inform future service delivery | Annually |
|
Improve access to training and learning, and increase awareness of landlord/tenant rights and responsibilities
|
March 2025 |
|
Re-establish a Landlords’ Forum to provide partnership working opportunities and publicise regulatory changes
|
December 2024 |
|
Establish a partner steering group to identify areas of the borough appropriate for focused intervention
|
June 2024 |
- Improve property standards and deliver housing solutions that support the Council’s regeneration ambitions.
| Action | When |
|---|---|
|
Establish a single point of contact to provide private landlords and tenants with dedicated support and advice
|
May 2024 |
|
Support our residents to address damp and mould concerns
|
April 2024-2025 |
|
Keep under review the need for selective and additional licensing in the borough
|
March 2025 |
|
Introduce a private landlord leasing scheme
|
May 2024 |
|
Introduce a landlord accreditation scheme, initially focussing on Wallsend regeneration area
|
June 2024 |
Priority 2 – Tackle Derelict and Long-Term Empty Properties
Actions
- Continue to reduce the number of long-term empty homes
| Action | When |
|---|---|
|
Complete a mapping exercise of all long-term empty properties in the borough to assess geographical patterns and future responses
|
Annually |
|
Improve our empty property database to include a wider range of reasons (probate, second homes, no Council tax record)
|
June 2024 |
|
Develop new solutions to reduce the number of properties in a prolonged probate period
|
March 2025 |
|
Ensure investigation processes are aligned with the Local Government Association (LGA) recognised best practice.
|
June 2024 |
- Target derelict homes and commercial properties utilising a range of innovative solutions and where possible bring them back as affordable homes.
| Action | When |
|---|---|
|
Review and improve our enforcement toolkit based on national best practice including compulsory purchase, enforced sale, insolvency and Empty Dwelling Management Orders
|
March 2025 |
|
Establish an investor register to match property investors with empty homes
|
December 2024 |
|
Launch a targeted purchasing partnership scheme to deliver housing-led regeneration in Wallsend town center with Aurora Affordable Homes
|
May 2024 |
Priority 3- Enable Safe Independent Living
| Action | When |
|---|---|
| Update the Disabled Facilities Grants policy and procedures | March 2025 |
| Review the use of DFGs to ensure It meets residents needs considering increasing costs | March 2025 |
| Continue to promote the work of our Safe and Health Homes Officers | March 2025 |
|
Promote the use of Assistive technology to allow people to stay in their home
|
February 2025 |
|
Explore the introduction of a handyperson scheme for elderly and vulnerable residents
|
March 2025 |