Tenants face ASB check for social housing allocations

Published by Julien Tremblin for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Local Government

Previous convictions of anti-social behaviour will be taken into account in the allocation of social housing if new proposals from the Scottish Government go ahead.

The new consultation – part of the future Scottish Housing Bill - also asks whether and how the process for evicting the worst offenders should be simplified in a bid to make sure “social housing goes to those who need it most”.

The proposals would also result in all new social tenants getting a probationary tenancy for a year before a full “Scottish Secure Tenancy” is given.

Minister for housing and transport Keith Brown said: “Landlords and tenants lobbied hard for changes to the way affordable rented housing is allocated and managed.

“Antisocial behaviour has a serious impact on individuals and communities. Feedback suggests that even low-level, persistent antisocial behaviour can harm communities.

“The measures we are introducing will also help good tenants who currently feel powerless to deal with bad neighbours, who make their lives a living hell.”

Graeme Brown, Director of Shelter Scotland, welcomed the tougher stance on anti-social behaviour but warned that stability and security are key to housing reform.

He said: “It is not acceptable for a small number of people with chaotic behavior to cause disruption and distress to others in their communities.

“While we support firm and effective action to tackle anti-social behavior, the aim must also be to bring long-term stability and security to those who lead chaotic lifestyles.

“At this time of economic turmoil security of tenure lies at the heart of providing stability, particularly in some of our most disadvantaged areas.”

“That’s why we need a housing bill that has long-term stability and security at its heart,” he added

Statistics from the Scottish Housing Regulator show that housing associations recorded around 24,000 complaints about antisocial behaviour in 2009-10.

The outcome of the consultation will inform recommendations for a future Housing Bill.