Personally I would say yes but am no expert in this field and recommend speaking with someone who is. I also suggest you refer to the wording of legislation on the subject to see if it meets the criteria. I would say it does not meet decent home standards though. Possibly you could write to the leader and chief executive of the Council with your concerns and that you will defend this vigorously when they take you to court as it seems to contradict what they are claiming that private landlords rent out sub standard properties and yet when you try to provide a nice home they are unhelpful. This will not make good reading in the press when they report the court case! You might also wish to advise that if they continue to be unhelpful you will contact the Chronicle to make other landlords aware of the unhelpful approach from Newcastle council at a time when there is a shortage of property for their own financial gain!