Demolition

In order to improve areas of Gateshead, or in cases where properties are structurally defective, it is sometimes necessary to demolish homes.

In such circumstances it will be necessary for a tenant to move out of their home into alternative accommodation.

Consultation will always take place with the residents about the future of their home and their area before any decision to demolish is made.

Gateshead Council as your landlord will make the decision to demolish, but the Gateshead Housing Company will carry out the consultation.

Finding Your New Home

As a Gateshead Council tenant we will help you to find a new home. Your Estate Officer will explain the options available to you and the priority you have been awarded.

This could include renting another council property in Gateshead or elsewhere or alternatively renting a Housing Association property. Gateshead Council properties are let through the HomeChoice scheme.

Your Estate Officer will explain how the scheme works and what you are eligible to bid for. If you wish we will also help you with bidding for the properties you are interested in.
 
If you own your own home Gateshead Council will contact you direct to discuss your options.

Homeloss and Disturbance payments

If a decision to demolish your home is made you may be eligible for compensation.

If you own your home you may also be entitled to compensation and you will be contacted separately by Gateshead Council to discuss this.

As a Gateshead Council tenant you may qualify for a Homeloss payment, which is a fixed statutory payment. This is currently £4,400 for qualifying tenants.

To qualify you must have been the tenant and have lived in the property for a period of at least 12 months at the time of your move.

Any outstanding debts to Gateshead Council including rent arrears, Council Tax, Housing Benefit overpayments and rechargeable repairs will be deducted from the payment you receive.

A Disturbance allowance is paid to compensate you for the “reasonable” expenses incurred because you have to move from your home.

You can claim for any combination of the items listed below up to a maximum value of £500.

The actual amount you will receive will vary depending on your personal circumstances.

• Removal expenses – This covers the cost of a removal firm or hire of van and for elderly or vulnerable residents packing of belongings

• Disconnection and reconnection of domestic appliances such as your washing machine or cooker

• Disconnection and reconnection of television aerial or satellite dish

• Disconnection and reconnection of telephone line and extensions

• Disconnection / reconnection of showers

• Refitting of security alarms or other security equipment

• Redirection of post for up to three months

• Uplifting and refitting of existing carpets and curtains

• Re-provision or re-fitting of disability aids and adaptations for special needs

• Payment for the fitting of new carpets/curtains/blinds (up to a maximum of £150)

• Provision of a gardening equipment package where there is a move from a property without a garden to a property with a garden (up to maximum of £50)

• Where the property is under the 'Lettable Standard', HomeStyle decoration vouchers will be provided to assist with the cost of decoration (£25 a room in living areas)

• There may be additional one off expenses such as the relocation of a shed and these will be considered on an individual basis.

Help with moving

The Gateshead Housing Company will be responsible for arranging household removals and disconnection and reconnection of domestic appliances.

We will work with you to arrange this for a convenient date. You will be responsible for arranging the remaining work associated with moving.

If you wish to engage your own contractors to undertake this work, you will only receive payment up to the value of the current charge of the company’s approved contractors. 

You will be required to produce a VAT registered receipt for all claims that you intend to make and they must be presented within two months of the date of your move.

Your Estate Officer will visit you at the appropriate time to discuss your individual rehousing requirements and the compensation you are entitled to.

However if you require any further information please contact your nearest housing office.

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