Tenancy and financial support

The Tenancy and Financial Support team are able to provide support to council tenants to improve their financial circumstances and sustain their tenancy. The service is completely confidential, and all information requested below will be used to contact the individual and provide the correct level of tailored support. 

Testimonials 

I was referred into the service due to having some financial issues caused by under-occupying my property but also a life changing health diagnosis. I was struggling with my health and avoiding facing my issues as the thought of filling out forms and attending appointments was overwhelming.

I didn’t know where to start or what benefits I was entitled to and i was referred to the Tenancy and Financial Support Team. Mel helped me by completing a benefit entitlement check and then supported me to apply for benefits, which included help to complete PIP forms and attend appointments with the DWP.

Nothing has been a bother to Mel and she has been very helpful and caring. She was always on time for our appointments and has been a massive support. I am now financially better off and feel much less stressed and able to concentrate on my health and getting better.

I very highly recommend the service, it has been a God send to me and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of Mel. I would encourage other people to reach out and contact the team if they are struggling.

George, Shiremoor

I made a self-referral to the Tenancy and Financial Support team and they made initial telephone contact within 24 hours which was great. Due to the level of financial strain that I was under the team prioritised my case and Angela attended my home and carried out an appointment. It was beneficial to have this face to face contact and i was given the time and asked all of the right questions so that Angela fully understood my situation.

Angela helped me to liase with the correct people at Universal Credit and resolved my issues very quickly. I am now in receipt of the correct benefits and have received a backdated payment.

I received brilliant support from Angela, she kept in regular contact with me and kept me updated which helped to take away some of the stress that i was under. I think that this is such an important service and that more people should know about it.

Darren, Backworth

Support

Our team are there to support you when you're struggling, and can help in offering support and advice for a number of situations where our tenants may be struggling financially. Whether it is...

• Help with benefits
• Help with council tax
• Struggling to pay energy bills
• Debt
• Struggling financially
• Water rates discount (may be available where household annual household income is less than £30,000)

If you may benefit from support, please see the below information, regarding where you will be best placed to go, before completing a referral form.

If you, or someone you know, could do with some support, please do get in touch with us. If you wish to request support please complete the referral form below and one of the team will be in contact. If you are not able to complete the form or you only have a quick query you can contact the team at Tenancyandfinancialsupport@northtyneside.gov.uk or phone them on 0191 643 7815. 

Tenancy and Financial Support form

Service Standards

Our team is committed to delivering a specific standard of service. Including: 

• We will aim to contact you within five working days, following a referral, to discuss and assess your needs.
• Following the initial assessment of needs we will agree with you an appropriate timescale and next steps.
• We will aim to carry out an appointment within 8 weeks of your initial assessment.
• We will deliver our services with empathy, compassion and professionalism.
• If applicable we will signpost you to the most appropriate service to provide you with the correct help & support you need.