Housing boss slams MP's 'stigmatising' allocations bill

Published by Ross Macmillan for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Central Government, Communities, Local Government

The outgoing chief executive of a Midlands-based housing association has slammed attempts by a Labour MP to build legislation that is based on "isolated incidents".

He was referring to Birkenhead MP Frank Field's Ten-Minute Rule Bill - introduced in the House of Commons last week - to ensure the allocation of social housing is done on the basis of giving priority to tenants with an "exemplary tenancy record".

As well as prioritising hard-working families, it would also give tenants the right to be told about the conduct of new tenants and the right to object to "neighbours from hell" moving into their area.

Mr Field said "many housing associations seem to parachute 'neighbours from hell' from one area into another".

However, the outgoing boss of Midland Heart - one of the top ten UK housing and care providers - argues that the proposals suggest that those in the greatest of need are perhaps not ‘good citizens’. 

Tom Murtha said: “There are people from all different tenures who create problems and there are powers to deal with them. 

“Mr Field’s proposals are another example of stigmatising the majority of homeless and potentially homeless people because of the faults of the few. 

“It is a concern that the proposals will give government ministers, who are already inclined to agree with such views, further ideas for populist initiatives. 

“Such legislation is often designed to catch a public mood and not to address the real issues which are far more complex.  And that is where the real danger of such proposals lies”.

The Bill is scheduled to have its second reading on 30 March.