North Tyneside Council’s updated Lettings Policy is now in place, following consultation with residents, service users and local organisations.
The policy has been shaped by feedback from people across the borough and reflects the changing housing landscape in North Tyneside. During the consultation, there was strong support for the overall direction of the policy and the need to make the system clearer and easier to understand.
What’s changing?
The revised policy strengthens how the Council prioritises and supports people in the greatest housing need. The number of priority bands remains the same, but there is now a clearer distinction between applicants with an identified housing need and those who are looking to move home by choice.
With demand for housing increasing, the policy also places greater emphasis on local connection, helping people who have been born and raised in North Tyneside to continue living in the area.
Overall, the changes aim to:
- provide clearer information for applicants
- support those with the greatest housing need
- help the Council manage demand more effectively
- align with wider housing priorities across the borough
Everyone registered with North Tyneside Homefinder has been contacted directly to explain what the changes mean for them. Information and a set of frequently asked questions are available here.
Applicants in the highest priority bands will be reviewed regularly to make sure they are actively applying for suitable properties that match their assessed housing need.