Our pride at building homes

THE North East has a housing crisis. That’s why the city council is working to ensure Newcastle remains a great place to live and our residents can access good quality housing.

The council, working in partnership with YHN, are committed to providing more housing for sale and for rent which is high quality, safe, affordable and secure.

We want everyone to have this security and are ensuring there’s a good mix in Newcastle for young people, families, and those requiring specialist accommodation because of their age or individual needs.

In 2017, 1300 new homes were built in the city – the highest number for three decades. Affordable housing is a priority and around 500 were built, many for older people and others with special needs.

In the Kenton ward, we have welcomed new social homes on Hillsview Avenue, Kirkwood Drive, Newlyn Road and on the old John Chapman site in Montagu.

A recent report by the charity Shelter noted “Newcastle was among the best performing local authorities we investigated when it comes to the overall supply of affordable housing.’’

We’re proud we’re building affordable homes in our communities and have called on the Government to ‘lift the borrowing cap’ to let us continue this progress.

There are about 20,000 private sector tenants in the city. Not all have decent landlords.

In Newcastle, enforcement action has been taken against landlords where standards are breached. Also, the council offers free advice to both tenants and landlords who are seeking help. COUNCILLORS GED BELL, JANE STREATHER, STEPHEN LAMBERT