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FURY AT HANDOVER OF COUNCIL HOUSE
HOUSING chiefs meet today to discuss why a former councillor's mum was given a two-bedroom bungalow in a desirable area of South Shields.
South Tyneside Council's Labour leadership will discuss why Nancy Metcalf - mother of toppled Labour councillor Geraldine White - was allocated the bungalow in much sought-after Marsden Lane.
Councillors are said to be "shocked" that Government chiefs could be called in to investigate why widow Mrs Metcalf was given the council home.
She has just sold her previous house - a former council-owned three-bedroom end terrace in Agricola Court, South Shields - which was up for sale with a 48,950 price tag.
Conservative Euro MP Martin Callanan has written to Housing Minister Nick Raynsford, asking him to look into how council houses are allocated in the borough.
He said: "It's disgraceful. I think there is a large question mark over housing allocation policy in South Tyneside, causing it to be brought into disrepute.
"I have referred this matter to the housing minister and I'm asking him to urgently institute a full inquiry."
Another former councillor said he believes the practice of giving preferential treatment to councillors and their families "appears to be widespread" when it came to housing allocations.
The Gazette understands that Mrs Metcalf and her late husband first applied for a two-bedroom bungalow in Marsden on medical grounds more than three years ago.
Jim Barrow, the council's Head of Housing, said anyone could apply for council housing regardless of the value of their property.
He said: "If we decide not to assist someone, the right to appeal is available to anyone."
Mrs White told the Gazette that she did "not wish to comment at the present time" on the allegations.
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Weather for South Shields
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -2 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South
