FAQ's
The Trust
Byker is a unique, Grade II* listed estate and in need of investment to update it. We think the Trust is the best way to make this happen.
We have suggested that the rents remain fixed to the Council rents, so initially they will not increase outside the normal rent increases set for YHN properties. There are more details on how this would work within the Offer Document.
The Board will be made up of 11 people - 4 tenants, 4 independents such as legal and financial specialists, 2 Council nominees (one of which will be a ward councilor) and 1 Your Homes Newcastle (YHN) nominee. The Council will have representation on the Board to ensure that the Trust carries out its requirements as agreed by the transfer to the Trust.
The main objective for the Trust is to invest in the Estate for the benefit of tenants and the details of this investment are set out in the Offer Document. The Trust will also work to improve the physical condition and management of non-residential buildings on the Estate. It will have regeneration objectives which will provide opportunities for local training and employment and also create opportunities for social enterprise to deliver services on the Estate.
Yes. All improvements to the Estate will protect its heritage value.
Yes. There will be a small team to work on behalf of the Trust.
No, the type of investment planned by the Trust will include improvements to the District Heating scheme and substantial environmental improvements which will also benefit owner occupiers and leaseholders as well as tenants.
YHN will still deliver the services it does now on behalf of the Trust and the Board.
Check out the map in the Offer Document. All stock currently owned by the City Council and managed by YHN within the red boundary will be managed by the Trust
The Trust will own the housing on behalf of the community.
The housing will be transferred to the Trust by March 2012.
There will be an extensive process of consultation with residents to prioritise works to each neighbourhood and produce solutions which satisfy English Heritage but also tackle the problems facing residents on a day to day basis.
Getting Involved
Elections will be held for tenant board members in September. Once decided, the tenant members will be involved in the recruitment of independent members. For more information call Richard Beedle 0191 278 8617 or Eileen Adams 0800 612 8280.
Yes. The Trust will decide what happens on the Estate and manage how the budget is spent. The Trust will be run by a board which will have resident representation on it. Key decisions will be made at Annual General Meetings, at which all tenants will be entitled to attend and vote.
All residents should receive regular newsletters and leaflets. We will also keep this website updated and we have held, and will be holding a number of community events in and around the Byker Estate.
Yes. An Independent Tenant Advisor (ITA), Engage Associates has been appointed. Contact Eileen Adams or Neil O’Brien on 0800 612 8280. The main role of the ITA is to give free and impartial advice to tenants and residents and answer any questions you may have about the Trust and what it means for you.
Contact Eileen or Neil at Engage Associates using our free phone number 0800 612 8280.
