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South Tyneside Homes

South Tyneside Homes Putting housing at the heart of South Tyneside Contact us - South Tyneside Homes 0191 423 4000 Fix it 0800 694 6900
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

About South Tyneside Homes (Governance)

Why did the Council set up an ALMO?
As an ALMO we are able to access money that would not have been available to the Council had they retained management of their homes. Following the Audit Commission Inspection in April 2008 South Tyneside Homes were awarded two stars. This means that an extra £167 million will be available from the Government to deliver a borough-wide Decent Homes Programme, to over 18,000 homes. By 2013 all homes will be brought up to the Decent Homes Standard.
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What exactly is South Tyneside Homes?
South Tyneside Homes is an Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO) company set up by South Tyneside Council to manage and improve its housing stock. The company is owned by the Council and operates under the terms of a management agreement between the Council and South Tyneside Homes. Remember that South Tyneside Homes is a not for profit organisation, ensuring money is spent entirely on improving the quality of life of residents by improving homes and neighbourhoods.
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Now South Tyneside Homes has been set up who is my landlord?
The Council is still your landlord and it still owns your home, unless of course you are a leaseholder. The difference is, it no longer manages it. South Tyneside Homes now delivers the day-to-day housing service.
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I am disabled and/or my home is unsuitable

If you find it difficult to manage at home due to health and/or mobility problems you may be eligible for an assessment by an Occupational Therapist or District Nurse to hire equipment from the Community Equipment Service.

The Community Equipment Service (tel: 0191 423 0200) assists elderly or disabled people and provides equipment on loan through a delivery and collection service.

 

You may be able to apply for accommodation in a council home that is already adapted to your needs. Contact Your Choice on 0191 424 7820 for more information.

If you need housing adaptations and you are a home owner-occupier or private tenant you may be able to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant to contribute towards the cost of providing these. You can contact the Disability Housing Team on  0191 423 0200 or e-mail them at disability.housingservice@southtyneside.gov.uk

Contact Social Care and Health Services on 0845 130 4959 for more information.

 


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My house is in a very poor state and requires repairs

If you are a Private Sector or housing association tenant with outstanding housing repairs, first, contact your Landlord and ask that the repairs be done.

If your request is ignored, contact the council's Environmental Health team on 0191 427 7907 for advice. They will inspect the property and, if appropriate, contact your Landlord on your behalf.

If you are a South Tyneside Homes tenant you can report a repair using the freephone repairs hotline: 0800 694 6900.

If you need help with heating your home you may be eligible for a Warmer Homes Grant for loft and cavity wall insultaion, heating system repair and improvement. Dial 0191 424 7917 if you require more information.


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I am pregnant/ I am a teenage parent

The Pregnancy Options Advisory Service (tel: 0191 451 610) offers confidential information, support and councelling to young women (and partners) who discover they are pregnant.


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I am over 55 years old. Can I apply for sheltered housing?

The Council has sheltrered dwellings with either an on-site warden or warden call. There is also RSL sheltered housing. These are highlighted in the "What and Where?" booklet.

What and where: South Tyneside Homes and housing association rented accomodation in South Tyneside

For a printed "What and Where?" booklet contact 0191 424 7197. For any other enquiries in relation to sheltered accommodation contact Adult Services on 0845 130 4959.


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I am a care leaver. What housing options are open to me?

The Council's Leaving Care Service's Independent Living Support team  (tel: 0191 427 2830) provide floating support to all care leavers up to the age of 21 years.


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I am under 19 years old, what are my housing options?

The Connexions Service (tel: 0800 073 8700) can offer free and confidential advice.


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I am an ex-offender. Who can help me get re-housed?

Norcare (tel: 0191 430 0094) can offer short-term temporary support to those aged 16 and over with a history of offending and/or drug or alcohol misuse issues.

SAIL (Supported Accommodation Independent Living) provide housing for those with a mental illness and referred by The Mental Health Support Service (tel: 0845 130 4959). To apply contact the organisation that will refer you (for example: probation).


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I am having problems with the people I live with. Can you help?

The Homelessness Prevention team can arrange Mediation Services to people who are under 25 of age (or the parent of someone who is) and are experiencing relationship poroblems that make it diffuicult to stay at home.

Homelessness Prevention Team: 0191 424 6456

 


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How do I leave a violent household?

South Tyneside's Women Aid Refuge (0191 454 8257) can  arrange temporary accommodation and support. The council's Housing Options team can also help with emergency housing.

Housing Options: 0191 456 7577 (for support and information)
South Tyneside Victim Suport: 0191 454 6198 (help and support to victims of crime)
Panah: 0191 284 6998 (support to women from the Black and Minority Ethnic commnunities)


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What can I do to prevent my landlord from evicting or bullying me?

If you are being bullied, threatened, harased or illegally forced to leave your home you can take action. There are laws to protect you against these criminal offences, even for unwritten contracts. The council has the power to prosecute landlords or agents who lawfully evict or harass tenants. If you feel you are being threatened with eviction or if you require any information on advice on your rights as a tenant then contact the Residential Services team (tel: 0191 424 7907).

Legal advice is also avaialble from Shelterline (tel: 0808 800 4444), the Citizen's Advice Bureau (0870 126 4098) and the Welfare Rights Service at www.southtyneside.info/welfarerights

If your landlord asks you to leave within your term you are entitled to the correct notice. You can ask your Landlord if he/she can transfer your tenancy to another property. If you rent from another Landlord you can ask the previous one for a reference and request that any bond held is returned.


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What if I'm having trouble with my rent/bills?

Contact the Citizen's Advice Bureau (tel: 0870 1264098) or a local Welfare Rights Office. To find your nearest office, go to www.southtyneside.info/welfarerights

Council Tax Benefit is awarded to homeowners or renters who have a low income or a disability. The Benefits Service can be contacted on 0191 427 9999.

Housing Benefit is awarded to renters who have a low income. Mortgage interest costs are paid to people on Social Security in certain circumstances. You can apply online at www.southtyneside.info

South Tyneside Action Team for Jobs (tel: 0191 427 4570) has access to funds that can help jobless people where lack of settled accommodation is a barrier to obtaining a job or job training. You can contact Centre Plus on 0191 201 2727.

If you need help with heating your home you may be aligable for a Warmer Homes Grant. To apply, call 0191 424 7917


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Where do I go for help with an alcohol/drug dependency?

The Drug and Alcohol Service provide medical, health and social care to people experiencing problems with all substance misuse. For adults 18 or older.

Tel: 0191 427 6995


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