Tom Burgess
@tomburgess8.bsky.social
Reporter for BBC North East | Formerly The Northern Echo | get in touch: Tom.burgess03@bbc.co.uk | John Schofield Trust Fellow 2025
Pinned
Tom Burgess
@tomburgess8.bsky.social
· Jan 2
Nearly 15,000 households being rehomed 'missing' from Government records
The Government is 'missing' data on where nearly 15,000 households have been placed in
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk
EXC: The Government are ‘missing’ data on where nearly 15,000 households in need of emergency accommodation have been placed.
The Ministry of Housing have confirmed that work is being done to ‘rectify’ the situation. (1/2)
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2480148...
The Ministry of Housing have confirmed that work is being done to ‘rectify’ the situation. (1/2)
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2480148...
Can’t quite believe today was my first day as a reporter at BBC North East. It’s a dream come true!
March 31, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Can’t quite believe today was my first day as a reporter at BBC North East. It’s a dream come true!
🚨Personal news!
Today was my last day at The Northern Echo after nearly two years. It’s been an incredible journey with some brilliant people but it is time for a new adventure.
I will be joining the BBC North East team as a reporter at the end of the month!
Today was my last day at The Northern Echo after nearly two years. It’s been an incredible journey with some brilliant people but it is time for a new adventure.
I will be joining the BBC North East team as a reporter at the end of the month!
bbc logo on a white background with a gray gradient
ALT: bbc logo on a white background with a gray gradient
media.tenor.com
March 14, 2025 at 5:11 PM
🚨Personal news!
Today was my last day at The Northern Echo after nearly two years. It’s been an incredible journey with some brilliant people but it is time for a new adventure.
I will be joining the BBC North East team as a reporter at the end of the month!
Today was my last day at The Northern Echo after nearly two years. It’s been an incredible journey with some brilliant people but it is time for a new adventure.
I will be joining the BBC North East team as a reporter at the end of the month!
Proud to be shortlisted for the Regional Press Awards Top Scoop for a second time running - a shame not to win! A wonderful day with amazing people.
March 12, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Proud to be shortlisted for the Regional Press Awards Top Scoop for a second time running - a shame not to win! A wonderful day with amazing people.
Reposted by Tom Burgess
Who are the most popular kings and queens since 1066?
1. Elizabeth II: +74 net score
2. Victoria: +50
3. George VI: +40
4. Elizabeth I: +36
5. George V: +30
6. Richard the Lionheart: +29
7. Charles III: +27
8. Edward VII: +14
Full list in chart 👇
yougov.co.uk/society/arti...
1. Elizabeth II: +74 net score
2. Victoria: +50
3. George VI: +40
4. Elizabeth I: +36
5. George V: +30
6. Richard the Lionheart: +29
7. Charles III: +27
8. Edward VII: +14
Full list in chart 👇
yougov.co.uk/society/arti...
February 7, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Who are the most popular kings and queens since 1066?
1. Elizabeth II: +74 net score
2. Victoria: +50
3. George VI: +40
4. Elizabeth I: +36
5. George V: +30
6. Richard the Lionheart: +29
7. Charles III: +27
8. Edward VII: +14
Full list in chart 👇
yougov.co.uk/society/arti...
1. Elizabeth II: +74 net score
2. Victoria: +50
3. George VI: +40
4. Elizabeth I: +36
5. George V: +30
6. Richard the Lionheart: +29
7. Charles III: +27
8. Edward VII: +14
Full list in chart 👇
yougov.co.uk/society/arti...
Latest ONS data on alcohol related deaths is grim reading for the North East. The death rate per 100,000 is more than double that of London.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2491256...
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2491256...
'Absolutely tragic': North East alcohol related deaths more than double London rate
The number of alcohol related deaths in the North East per 100,000 is more than double the rate in London
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk
February 5, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Latest ONS data on alcohol related deaths is grim reading for the North East. The death rate per 100,000 is more than double that of London.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2491256...
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2491256...
Reposted by Tom Burgess
Latest ONS figures on alcohol-specific deaths are awful - numbers in the North East now way above everywhere else, with a rate now well over double that of London
February 5, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Latest ONS figures on alcohol-specific deaths are awful - numbers in the North East now way above everywhere else, with a rate now well over double that of London
Reposted by Tom Burgess
NEW: Last year we reported 55 homeless children had died while living in temporary accommodation in 4 yrs.
We reported that TA deaths were likely much higher because data collection was not routine.
Now, new research shows between Oct 23-Sept 24, 80 children died in TA. www.itv.com/news/2024-03...
We reported that TA deaths were likely much higher because data collection was not routine.
Now, new research shows between Oct 23-Sept 24, 80 children died in TA. www.itv.com/news/2024-03...
www.itv.com
January 28, 2025 at 10:21 AM
NEW: Last year we reported 55 homeless children had died while living in temporary accommodation in 4 yrs.
We reported that TA deaths were likely much higher because data collection was not routine.
Now, new research shows between Oct 23-Sept 24, 80 children died in TA. www.itv.com/news/2024-03...
We reported that TA deaths were likely much higher because data collection was not routine.
Now, new research shows between Oct 23-Sept 24, 80 children died in TA. www.itv.com/news/2024-03...
Delighted to start my fellowship with the @johnschofieldtrust.bsky.social this year. 🎉
I’m over the moon to have been paired with BBC Special Correspondent @judithmoritz.bsky.social
I’m over the moon to have been paired with BBC Special Correspondent @judithmoritz.bsky.social
January 22, 2025 at 1:17 PM
Delighted to start my fellowship with the @johnschofieldtrust.bsky.social this year. 🎉
I’m over the moon to have been paired with BBC Special Correspondent @judithmoritz.bsky.social
I’m over the moon to have been paired with BBC Special Correspondent @judithmoritz.bsky.social
🚨Quick morning read here - Stanley residents were horrified to discover that convicts had been moved onto their street.
There was no planning permission needed and nothing they could do to stop it.
Local MP Luke Akehurst has said he is ‘very concerned’.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2485899...
There was no planning permission needed and nothing they could do to stop it.
Local MP Luke Akehurst has said he is ‘very concerned’.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2485899...
"We feel invaded": County Durham residents who discovered convicts next door
Stanley residents have expressed their frustration at being unable to stop convicts being housed next door
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk
January 22, 2025 at 8:22 AM
🚨Quick morning read here - Stanley residents were horrified to discover that convicts had been moved onto their street.
There was no planning permission needed and nothing they could do to stop it.
Local MP Luke Akehurst has said he is ‘very concerned’.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2485899...
There was no planning permission needed and nothing they could do to stop it.
Local MP Luke Akehurst has said he is ‘very concerned’.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2485899...
I spoke to Paul Barron from Middlesbrough this afternoon about his experiences being evacuated from his home in Los Angeles.
He described standing on the roof of his apartment block looking at fire and smoke obscuring the sky - like ‘the apocalypse’.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2484558...
He described standing on the roof of his apartment block looking at fire and smoke obscuring the sky - like ‘the apocalypse’.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2484558...
North East man describes 'apocalyptic' Los Angeles fires as he is evacuated
Middlesbrough man describes experiences being evacuated from his apartment in Los Angeles
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk
January 9, 2025 at 3:21 PM
I spoke to Paul Barron from Middlesbrough this afternoon about his experiences being evacuated from his home in Los Angeles.
He described standing on the roof of his apartment block looking at fire and smoke obscuring the sky - like ‘the apocalypse’.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2484558...
He described standing on the roof of his apartment block looking at fire and smoke obscuring the sky - like ‘the apocalypse’.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2484558...
Reposted by Tom Burgess
EXC: The Government are ‘missing’ data on where nearly 15,000 households in need of emergency accommodation have been placed.
The Ministry of Housing have confirmed that work is being done to ‘rectify’ the situation. (1/2)
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2480148...
The Ministry of Housing have confirmed that work is being done to ‘rectify’ the situation. (1/2)
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2480148...
Nearly 15,000 households being rehomed 'missing' from Government records
The Government is 'missing' data on where nearly 15,000 households have been placed in
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk
January 2, 2025 at 2:00 PM
EXC: The Government are ‘missing’ data on where nearly 15,000 households in need of emergency accommodation have been placed.
The Ministry of Housing have confirmed that work is being done to ‘rectify’ the situation. (1/2)
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2480148...
The Ministry of Housing have confirmed that work is being done to ‘rectify’ the situation. (1/2)
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2480148...
EXC: The Government are ‘missing’ data on where nearly 15,000 households in need of emergency accommodation have been placed.
The Ministry of Housing have confirmed that work is being done to ‘rectify’ the situation. (1/2)
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2480148...
The Ministry of Housing have confirmed that work is being done to ‘rectify’ the situation. (1/2)
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2480148...
Nearly 15,000 households being rehomed 'missing' from Government records
The Government is 'missing' data on where nearly 15,000 households have been placed in
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk
January 2, 2025 at 2:00 PM
EXC: The Government are ‘missing’ data on where nearly 15,000 households in need of emergency accommodation have been placed.
The Ministry of Housing have confirmed that work is being done to ‘rectify’ the situation. (1/2)
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2480148...
The Ministry of Housing have confirmed that work is being done to ‘rectify’ the situation. (1/2)
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2480148...
Reposted by Tom Burgess
Finally, massive shoutout to @tomburgess8.bsky.social who has done brilliant work on the ground in County Durham exposing this shocking practice, which even led to Angela Rayner intervening on the issue.
(6/6)
(6/6)
December 31, 2024 at 2:21 PM
Finally, massive shoutout to @tomburgess8.bsky.social who has done brilliant work on the ground in County Durham exposing this shocking practice, which even led to Angela Rayner intervening on the issue.
(6/6)
(6/6)
Reposted by Tom Burgess
EXC: Councils are paying millions to relocation firms to help them permanently move homeless families out of big cities.
They are often moved to smaller, deprived towns in the Midlands and north of England.
(1/6)
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
They are often moved to smaller, deprived towns in the Midlands and north of England.
(1/6)
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
English councils pay millions to move homeless families out of big cities
Guardian analysis reveals families often given little notice to relocate to already deprived communities far away with no extra support
www.theguardian.com
December 31, 2024 at 2:21 PM
EXC: Councils are paying millions to relocation firms to help them permanently move homeless families out of big cities.
They are often moved to smaller, deprived towns in the Midlands and north of England.
(1/6)
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
They are often moved to smaller, deprived towns in the Midlands and north of England.
(1/6)
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
Fantastic to see @theguardian.com reporting on the scandal of homeless families being moved around the country by local authorities.
@sammygecsoyler.bsky.social has done a brilliant job revealing the scale of the problem - kind to link to my stories too!
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
@sammygecsoyler.bsky.social has done a brilliant job revealing the scale of the problem - kind to link to my stories too!
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
English councils pay millions to move homeless families out of big cities
Guardian analysis reveals families often given little notice to relocate to already deprived communities far away with no extra support
www.theguardian.com
December 31, 2024 at 1:21 PM
Fantastic to see @theguardian.com reporting on the scandal of homeless families being moved around the country by local authorities.
@sammygecsoyler.bsky.social has done a brilliant job revealing the scale of the problem - kind to link to my stories too!
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
@sammygecsoyler.bsky.social has done a brilliant job revealing the scale of the problem - kind to link to my stories too!
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
🚨 Delighted to be shortlisted for Top Scoop at the Regional Press Awards for the second year running!
Lovely to see Phoebe Abruzzese shortlisted with me for Young Journalist of the Year and the Cathryn Nicholl award!
Read the scoop here:
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2456519...
Lovely to see Phoebe Abruzzese shortlisted with me for Young Journalist of the Year and the Cathryn Nicholl award!
Read the scoop here:
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2456519...
'Despicable': Homeless people being 'dumped' in North East from London
Vulnerable people are being moved from London up to County Durham, The Northern Echo can reveal
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk
December 13, 2024 at 3:01 PM
🚨 Delighted to be shortlisted for Top Scoop at the Regional Press Awards for the second year running!
Lovely to see Phoebe Abruzzese shortlisted with me for Young Journalist of the Year and the Cathryn Nicholl award!
Read the scoop here:
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2456519...
Lovely to see Phoebe Abruzzese shortlisted with me for Young Journalist of the Year and the Cathryn Nicholl award!
Read the scoop here:
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2456519...
Delighted to have been awarded a distinction for my NQJ portfolio and finally be a senior reporter today!
In other welcome news I’ve been shortlisted for Top Scoop and Level 7 apprentice of the year in the @nctj.bsky.social awards!
In other welcome news I’ve been shortlisted for Top Scoop and Level 7 apprentice of the year in the @nctj.bsky.social awards!
a fireworks display is going off in the night sky .
ALT: a fireworks display is going off in the night sky .
media.tenor.com
December 10, 2024 at 4:38 PM
Delighted to have been awarded a distinction for my NQJ portfolio and finally be a senior reporter today!
In other welcome news I’ve been shortlisted for Top Scoop and Level 7 apprentice of the year in the @nctj.bsky.social awards!
In other welcome news I’ve been shortlisted for Top Scoop and Level 7 apprentice of the year in the @nctj.bsky.social awards!
EXC: Darlington family became trapped in damp and mouldy home while mother battled cancer and youngest child caught pneumonia.
They described living in a ‘nightmare’ since May 2023.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2475744...
They described living in a ‘nightmare’ since May 2023.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2475744...
Darlington mum-of-four battling cancer speaks of "hell" living in mouldy home
A Darlington mum battling cancer has spoken of living in "hell" inside mouldy damp home
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk
November 29, 2024 at 9:51 AM
EXC: Darlington family became trapped in damp and mouldy home while mother battled cancer and youngest child caught pneumonia.
They described living in a ‘nightmare’ since May 2023.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2475744...
They described living in a ‘nightmare’ since May 2023.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2475744...
Tomorrow’s @thenorthernecho.bsky.social front page will be another horrifying housing story.
A family became trapped in private rented accommodation with water pouring in through the windows and mould growing everywhere.
The youngest child caught pneumonia and was hospitalised.
A family became trapped in private rented accommodation with water pouring in through the windows and mould growing everywhere.
The youngest child caught pneumonia and was hospitalised.
November 28, 2024 at 8:11 PM
Tomorrow’s @thenorthernecho.bsky.social front page will be another horrifying housing story.
A family became trapped in private rented accommodation with water pouring in through the windows and mould growing everywhere.
The youngest child caught pneumonia and was hospitalised.
A family became trapped in private rented accommodation with water pouring in through the windows and mould growing everywhere.
The youngest child caught pneumonia and was hospitalised.
Are you living in poor North East temporary accommodation? Get in touch!
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2474953...
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2474953...
Are you currently living in poor North East temporary accommodation? Get in touch
Are you currently living in poor temporary accommodation in the North East - please get in touch
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk
November 25, 2024 at 5:20 PM
Are you living in poor North East temporary accommodation? Get in touch!
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2474953...
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2474953...
With the cold weather we have been having I wanted to ask if anyone in the North East is struggling with awful temporary housing - please get in touch.
One man reached out to me today with a mouldy house so bad he has to keep his belongings in one room.
My email is tom.burgess@newsquest.co.uk
One man reached out to me today with a mouldy house so bad he has to keep his belongings in one room.
My email is tom.burgess@newsquest.co.uk
November 23, 2024 at 11:47 AM
With the cold weather we have been having I wanted to ask if anyone in the North East is struggling with awful temporary housing - please get in touch.
One man reached out to me today with a mouldy house so bad he has to keep his belongings in one room.
My email is tom.burgess@newsquest.co.uk
One man reached out to me today with a mouldy house so bad he has to keep his belongings in one room.
My email is tom.burgess@newsquest.co.uk
For anybody interested I created a timeline of my investigation into London councils moving families hundreds of miles up to the North East.
It’s been horrifying talking to families in the worst situations who have been completely abandoned.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2473846...
It’s been horrifying talking to families in the worst situations who have been completely abandoned.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2473846...
Timeline of The Northern Echo investigation into families moved to County Durham
Here is a full timeline of The Northern Echo investigation into families being moved hundreds of miles up to County Durham
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk
November 22, 2024 at 9:11 AM
For anybody interested I created a timeline of my investigation into London councils moving families hundreds of miles up to the North East.
It’s been horrifying talking to families in the worst situations who have been completely abandoned.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2473846...
It’s been horrifying talking to families in the worst situations who have been completely abandoned.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2473846...
Reposted by Tom Burgess
🗞 Today's Northern Echo front - Deputy PM Angela Rayner issues a warning to 'law breaking' London councils for dumping homeless people in the North East and praises the @thenorthernecho.bsky.social
👏 Well done to @tomburgess8.bsky.social for continuing to shine a light on this important issue.
👏 Well done to @tomburgess8.bsky.social for continuing to shine a light on this important issue.
November 21, 2024 at 12:07 PM
🗞 Today's Northern Echo front - Deputy PM Angela Rayner issues a warning to 'law breaking' London councils for dumping homeless people in the North East and praises the @thenorthernecho.bsky.social
👏 Well done to @tomburgess8.bsky.social for continuing to shine a light on this important issue.
👏 Well done to @tomburgess8.bsky.social for continuing to shine a light on this important issue.
Reposted by Tom Burgess
I was regularly writing about this issue - councils like Croydon relocating homeless families to areas of the North East - more than a decade ago, including this story from 2011. Depressing how little progress has been made in addressing the problem, or the underlying causes, since then
November 21, 2024 at 10:53 AM
I was regularly writing about this issue - councils like Croydon relocating homeless families to areas of the North East - more than a decade ago, including this story from 2011. Depressing how little progress has been made in addressing the problem, or the underlying causes, since then