UPDATE: The housing crisis in Northumberland is forcing individuals in emotionally abusive relationships to remain with their partners, officials warn. This alarming situation has prompted urgent calls for action as the number of people on the council’s housing list reaches 12,000.
Councillor Georgina Hill, chair of Northumberland County Council’s health and wellbeing scrutiny committee, has reported a growing number of cases in her ward. She emphasizes that individuals fear homelessness more than the emotional turmoil of their relationships, stating, “I just fear that… it’s so difficult – we can find money for a problem but we can’t magic more houses suddenly.”
The council’s recent policy changes aim to address this crisis, but they may not be enough. The Conservative-led administration plans to remove over half of those in lower priority categories from the housing list, focusing resources on those in greater need. Coun Hill argues that there is simply “not enough” housing in Northumberland.
Currently, individuals fleeing physical abuse can access temporary accommodation, but those in emotionally abusive situations feel trapped. “They think that while it’s awful being in that abusive relationship, there’s probably one thing worse and that’s not having a roof over their head,” Coun Hill adds.
The council has indicated that tightening criteria for local connection will prioritize applicants with verified ties to Northumberland. Band 3 applicants, deemed to have “no identified housing need,” will be removed, further complicating the situation for those seeking help.
Changes also include new financial assessments, which will consider income, savings, and assets to ensure that social housing is allocated to those who genuinely cannot secure suitable accommodation. While these adjustments are expected to expedite access to social housing, many fear they could inadvertently exacerbate the current crisis.
According to the council, individuals fleeing domestic abuse are typically assigned to Band P, the highest priority for urgent cases. However, the number of available council homes has steadily declined, primarily due to national Right to Buy legislation, creating an intense demand for affordable housing.
Northumberland has allocated £45 million in its Medium-Term Financial Plan for 2026/27 to develop affordable housing, with over 1,700 affordable homes constructed in recent years. Planning permission has also been granted for an additional 1,369 affordable homes, targeting the creation of over 3,000 new affordable homes in the region.
Cabinet Member for Housing, Coun Colin Horncastle, stated, “The updated policy will ensure that available homes are always prioritized for people who already live here or have a strong connection to Northumberland.” This shift aims to ensure that social housing is allocated fairly, prioritizing those with the greatest need.
The council’s ongoing struggles highlight an urgent need for comprehensive solutions to the housing crisis, as the emotional toll on victims of domestic abuse continues to rise. As Northumberland faces these challenges, the community watches closely, hoping for swift and effective resolutions.
Authorities are urging residents in need of housing assistance to reach out immediately, as the situation continues to develop. What happens next will be crucial in determining the future well-being of those caught in this alarming cycle of abuse and homelessness.
