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02/12/2013
New Plans To End Anti-Social Behaviour
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland is to seek the public's views on new plans to deal with anti-social behaviour in social housing.
The proposals, which have been published for public consultation today (2 December), suggest an 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.
The plans also address proposals to make a technical amendment to homelessness legislation. It would 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.
Commenting on the announcement, 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.
"Under these 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."
The consultation closes on 24 February 2014 and is available via the DSD website.
Following consultation, legislative change will be required.
It is expected this process will begin in late 2014.
(JP/CD)
The proposals, which have been published for public consultation today (2 December), suggest an 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.
The plans also address proposals to make a technical amendment to homelessness legislation. It would 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.
Commenting on the announcement, 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.
"Under these 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."
The consultation closes on 24 February 2014 and is available via the DSD website.
Following consultation, legislative change will be required.
It is expected this process will begin in late 2014.
(JP/CD)
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