Making a difference on affordable housing in Newcastle

The Lib Dem-run City Council is pushing ahead with new affordable housing schemes, and
despite the tough economic climate has been successfully working with developers to build
new homes. Small and medium sized developments will provide new council housing,
helping to cut housing waiting lists.

The impressive redevelopment of tower blocks at Cruddas Park (Riverside Dene) will soon be
fully occupied and is proving very popular. In another first, the latest refurbished flats in the
Cedars block are being offered for sale at very competitive price via Council-backed 95%
mortgages for first time buyers.

In addition, the city council has secured agreement from the Government to transform
the Byker Wall and Estate by transferring it to a local community trust, subject to a vote by
tenants, allowing substantial investment to be delivered.