South Tyneside Council Services Guide

South Tyneside Council runs the services that most directly affect daily life in South Shields. This guide covers the essentials — bins, council tax, housing, parking, and how to report problems — so you know where to go when you need something done.

Bins and Waste Collection

South Tyneside Council operates a fortnightly bin collection for most households. You will have:

• A blue bin for recycling (paper, card, plastic bottles, tins, cans)
• A green bin for general household waste
• A brown bin for garden waste (subscription service)
• A blue bin caddy for food waste

Collections alternate weekly between recycling and general waste. You can check your collection day by entering your postcode on the South Tyneside Council website.

If you need a new bin, a replacement bin, or help pulling your bin out on collection day, you can request this online at southtyneside.gov.uk. Bulky waste collections for large items such as furniture and mattresses can also be booked online.

Best for: Check your bin collection day and report missed collections at southtyneside.gov.uk — most issues can be resolved online without a phone call.

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Council Tax

Council tax is the main way South Tyneside Council raises money for local services. You can view your council tax balance, set up a direct debit, and request e-billing through the council's online portal at portal.southtyneside.info.

If you are on a low income, you may be eligible for Council Tax Support, which can reduce your bill. You can apply online. Students, single occupants, and people with certain disabilities may also qualify for discounts or exemptions.

For council tax enquiries, call 0191 424 7217.

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Housing

South Tyneside Council manages council housing across the borough. You can:

• Apply for a council home through the council's housing register
• Pay your rent online or by direct debit
• Report repairs by calling 0191 424 7200 or reporting online

For private housing issues — including problems with a landlord, housing conditions, or homelessness — contact the council's housing team. If you are at risk of homelessness, the council has a duty to help and you should contact them as early as possible.

Best for: Report housing repairs on 0191 424 7200 or online. If you are at risk of homelessness, contact the council immediately — they have a legal duty to help.

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Parking Permits

South Tyneside Council offers resident parking permits for controlled parking zones in South Shields. Key details:

• Each household can have up to two permits (one per vehicle)
• Permits are available for resident, town centre, and foreshore (seafront) zones
• You can apply online through the council's eServices portal

Visitor permits are also available for guests. For full details and to apply, visit the parking permits page on the council website.

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Roads, Potholes, and Street Lighting

You can report potholes, damaged pavements, faulty street lighting, and other road issues through the council's online reporting tool. The council prioritises repairs based on severity, with dangerous defects treated as urgent.

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Planning Applications

If you want to build an extension, convert a loft, or make other changes to your property, you may need planning permission from South Tyneside Council. You can search and comment on current planning applications through the council's planning portal.

For pre-application advice, contact the planning department on 0191 424 7000.

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Key Contact Numbers

Most services can also be accessed online at southtyneside.gov.uk or through the eServices portal at portal.southtyneside.info.

Best for: The council's main number is 0191 427 1717, but most requests — bins, repairs, permits, council tax — can be handled faster online.

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For more on who runs the council, see our guide to local politicians in South Shields. For parking specifically, see where to park in South Shields.