Updated 28/1/26
Many of the houses have now been sold through auction or by another method.
There are various buyers who are sending letters to tenants.
This could be good news for tenants, with a new landlord and hope for a better future.
The recommendation remains the same – Please take advice from your local Citizens advice team ASAP.
Updated 25/1/26
I continue to receive enquiries from tenants within Northumberland, the region and the wider North of England.
It is a terrible situation for so many people to be in, Please contact your local citizens advice office if you are impacted.
Many horrendous stories are being told each week.
See notes below-
Hundreds of tenants are thought to be impacted by this scandal.
Including many in Northumberland.
If you are a tenant please see advice at the foot of this page.
Updated19/1/26
Arrests made CLICK HERE
13/1/26
I am grateful to the auctioneers who offered some reassurance to residents by informing me that the properties were not owned by the ‘big help’ but merely leased by them.
The owner is now selling the stock, but any current tenancy agreement with the big help will have to be agreed with the new owner.
Current tenants are asked to check their agreements for details.
Again, please seek advice from your local citizens advice office.
12/1/26
I have contacted the agent (Auctioneer)who has been instructed to sell the properties, highlighting the fact that residents have not been advised of the sales & asking them for information that can be shared with residents.
See notes / advice below –
——-
10/1/26
I have been contacted by residents in Northumberland and elsewhere in the country regarding this major housing issue.
The relevant Citizens advice teams have been contacted & in Nland, Council officers have also been supporting our residents.
I have been informed that many of the properties are now being sold off and the residents have not been told this, and are obviously very concerned.
BBC Report – CLICK HERE
9/12/25
Courant – CLICK HERE
(Post created November 25).
Housing horror story.
I get a huge number of enquiries each month, many can be dealt with quickly, this one has been dragging on far too long.
A national investigation looking into the activities of a ‘charity’ housing provider took place.
The video explains the background.
Unfortunately the housing stock involved includes many around the Country, including in Tynedale.
See video-
My main concern is the appalling state of some of the homes people are living in with basic repairs not being carried out and no point of contact for the residents to get advice and support.
If you know of anyone living in property part of this scandal please e mail me.
NOTES
IF you are a tenant, please do NOT pay your rent without proof that anyone asking for rent is authorised to take it, save the rent rather than spending it.
Do not allow anyone into your home who is claiming to be interested in buying the property just refer them onto the agent.
Do not allow anyone purporting to be a worker sent by the agent to check on the building or carry out work into the house, unless you have confirmation that are genuine, please arrange for someone to accompany you if you agree to allow them in.
Retain details of the person(s) attending.
If genuine they should not be offended by you declining access until clear proof is given.
Contact –
Citizens advice relevant to where you live.
Northumberland – CLICK HERE
Other CA offices CLICK HERE
They will work closely with NCC (safe and resilient communities team) – CLICK HERE
Remember as tenants you have done nothing wrong, please do not worry and work with the above agencies.
Shelter advice – Click here
Govt advice – Click here
Auctioneer dealing with the property sale on behalf of the property owner CLICK HERE
- The auctioneers are merely dealing with the sale on behalf of the owners, they are unable to provide advice / info to tenants, instead please contact your local Citizens advice team.
OTHER Information –
You may wish to register on home-finder- Housing information.
Other contacts of interest – Useful Contacts
————————
Dealing with everyday issues everyday of the year.
Helping everyone to be #ProudOfPrudhoe
Prudhoe the #FriendliestTown a great place to live work visit learn & invest in.
I do not take reports or enter into discussions via social media but offer a wide range of methods for residents to contact me.
Reports relevant to NCC can be made directly to the appropriate dept via
https://fix.northumberland.gov.uk
Other organisations such as housing providers & utilities.
Contact info –
Prudhoe Matters 