Tyne and Wear housing assistance and rent programmes

Housing assistance is available from local government authorities in Tyne and Wear as well as other organisations. With the high rates of poverty in the county, many tenants are in rent arrears. For these families the main places to turn to for help with housing needs include a local council as well as Citizens Advice. There are also some not-for-profits that offer assistance.

Any type of rent assistance, such as financial help from a discretionary housing payment (DHP) or a negotiation with a landlord, will also include advice. The aim of every Tyne and Wear agency is to help the person maintain their tenancy over time. This advice is offered by the Newcastle upon Tyne City Council as well as the Private Rented Service programme that is in the area.

Housing Advice as well as applications to DHP is provided by the city council in Newcastle upon Tyne. The local authority has two main centres they operate from, and they are 112-114 Pilgrim Street and also 35 Nelson Street in the city.

DHP is offered by the city council to help with future rent expenses that are not covered by a benefit payment. The way it works is if the tenant receives support from the government of a certain amount, but their rent is higher than that, then a discretionary housing payment can pay the difference. The council will only provide so much funding though and there are eligibility conditions.

Newcastle upon Tyne City Council advice services are for housing in the private sector. Residents can get help with negotiating payment plans on rent, support for illegal evictions, and other support. There is also a shelter advisor at the council office. Advice is for anyone threatened by homelessness. Ring the office at 0191 277 1711.

The local Citizens Advice Bureaux – The not-for profit organisation provides free advice on rent or debt arrears. The staff can help people understand their housing rights when it comes to evictions. Other support is on applying for welfare and benefits, employment rights, and renting in the private sector.

• St Cuthberts Chambers, 35 Nelson Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5AN, call 0344 245 1288.
• Another CAB is at Cowgate Community Centre, Houghton Avenue, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 3HY, phone 0844 499 4717.

Newcastle Private Rented Service – The not-for-profit partners with both landlord and tenants. All of the advice and assistance is for private sector housing. The team at the centre can help a family on a low income locate a home to live in and apply for financial help. Landlords can use the service to help let their properties to a sold tenant, and the rent payments from them will bring in more income. Phone 0191 277 1438.

Thirteen Care & Support runs the Cumberland House. This is short term housing for the vulnerable, including ex-offenders and substance abusers. The client can be given a place to stay so they are not sleeping rough. Then the agency can offer referrals to housing payment programmes, budgeting classes, and other support. The post is Housing Advice Centre Gateway, Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6SQ, telephone 0191 277 1711.

St. Vincent is a church that helps homeless men or those threatened with homelessness. A support work will meet with the client on a regular basis. There is help given from the charity on budgeting, applying for DHP rent payments or benefits, and money advice. Other practical support include hygiene item and classes on social skills.186 Newbridge Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2TQ, telephone 0191 261 1187.

Changing Lives Day Centre is located at 214 Westgate Road in Newcastle upon Tyne. The location is for the vulnerable and homeless. They offer referrals to emergency shelter and hostels. Other assistance is for resettlement and pre-tenancy expenses. Other advice is for applying to housing payments, mental health outreach, and treatment services. The telephone is 0191 232 5699.