Tenancy Policy in Spotlight

Cabinet will next week be asked to approve a Tenancy Policy for South Tyneside's council housing stock, to ensure compliance with new consumer standards.

The development and publication of the policy is required under the new standards as set out by the Regulator of Social Housing.

The Tenancy Standard sets expectations for all registered providers to let their homes to tenants in a fair, transparent, and efficient way.

The policy should clearly explain their approach to tenancy management, including interventions to sustain tenancies and prevent unnecessary evictions, and how they tackle tenancy fraud.

Consultation with South Tyneside Council residents and officers has helped inform the new policy and their feedback was used to include wording about issues including contents insurance; lodgers and subletting, ending a tenancy and reporting concerns around damp and mould.

Cllr Jim Foreman, Lead Member for Housing and Community Safety, said: "Housing has such a major impact on people's lives. We're committed to providing good quality, sustainable housing to meets the needs of our residents and create thriving, strong communities.

"Alongside our Tenancy Strategy, this policy will ensure the best use of stock and transparent and fair allocation of council housing, and ensure we are compliant with the new consumer standards."