Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland is seeking the public’s views on new measures to deal with anti-social behaviour in social housing.
Nelson McCausland.
Proposals, published for public consultation today, suggest the introduction of a new type of social housing tenancy which will be used where the courts are satisfied that a tenant of the Housing Executive or a registered Housing Association has been involved in anti-social behaviour.
Under the new proposals, where a social housing tenant commits anti-social behaviour, social landlords would have the power to convert their “secure tenancy” to a six-month “short secure tenancy.”
During this period the landlord will have to offer counselling or other support to the tenant, but if the tenant’s behaviour does not improve the landlord will be able take possession of the property when the six month period ends.
Minister McCausland said: “Anti-social behaviour is one of the biggest issues that is brought to my attention as a political representative. It only takes one individual to make life a misery for many others in their community.
“The current procedures to tackle anti-social behaviour in social housing are prolonged, expensive and inadequate for the severity of the problem. What I am proposing will alleviate these issues and is based on the Scottish model, sometimes referred to as the short secure tenancy or yellow card scheme.”
The consultation document also proposes to make a technical amendment to homelessness legislation. It will ensure that if an individual is assessed as homeless but commits antisocial behaviour before they are re-housed, they can be deemed ineligible for social housing.
The consultation closes on 24 February 2014 and is available at the DSD website. Following consultation, legislative change will be required. It is expected this process will begin in late 2014.
The Minister concluded: “This will send a strong message to anti-social tenants that they need to change their behaviour. It will give them six months to improve their actions during which time the landlord will be required to ensure that support is available to help the tenant to change. I believe these new proposals will encourage tenants to avail of the support which many of them need.”
Responses to the consultation can be emailed to [email protected] or write to Heloise Brown, Department for Social Development, Housing Division, 1 Cromac Place, Gasworks Business Park, Ormeau Road, Belfast BT7 2JB.
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