New proposals should help SBHA deal with antisocial tenants
The Selkirk-based Scottish Borders Housing Association (SBHA) has welcomed the Scottish Government’s new proposals and consultation this week on radically changing the way 600,000 houses in the social rented sector are allocated and managed.
Under the plans, SBHA and Scottish Borders Council (SBC) would be given greater flexibility over housing allocations, to consider any property applicants own as well as their income, so that social housing goes to those who need it most.
The proposals, released this week, would also give councils and housing associations more tools to tackle antisocial behaviour. The measures would allow previous antisocial behaviour to be taken into account in the allocation of housing and antisocial tenants could lose their tenancy rights.
The consultation also asks whether and how the process for evicting the worst offenders should be simplified.
In response to calls for change, 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.
Keith Brown MSP, minister for housing and transport, said: “Landlords and tenants lobbied hard for changes to the way affordable rented housing is allocated and managed. We have listened and these proposed changes reflect, I believe, the views we have picked up from organisations and individuals the length and breadth of Scotland.
“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 help good tenants who feel powerless to deal with bad neighbours, who make their lives a living hell.”
Maria Lyle, director of housing at SBHA, said in response: “We welcome the opportunity to consult with the Scottish Government on providing social housing landlords with increased flexibility in allocating and managing its housing. SBHA aims to create and maintain safe and sustainable communities, and we have recently reviewed our allocations policy to be more responsive to local needs and demand.
“SBHA is aware that antisocial behaviour by a small minority can blight communities and adversely affect the lives of other tenants and residents, and we welcome the consideration being given to extending the tools available to landlords to tackle [it].
“SBHA will consider fully the implications of these proposals and discuss these with our local partners and the Scottish Government as part of the consultation process.”
Andrew Lowe, director of social work at SBC, said: “The council welcomes any tenancy reforms and new measures that support community sustainability whilst at the same time enhancing the local authority’s ability to tackle persisent antisocial behaviour, and we welcome in principle the specific objective of giving councils and registered social landlords more powers to deal with antisocial behaviour in a supportive and effective manner.
“All councils would agree that the ability to deal quickly and effectively with antisocial behaviour is essential if tenants’ lives are not to be blighted. Even at first glance it seems likely that the proposals, if enacted, will strengthen the hand of councils and housing associations in dealing firmly with those who fail to comply with their responsibilities as tenants.
“We look forward to the opportunity to engage further in dialogue with the Scottish Government and with our local partners about the development and implementation of these proposals as part of the consultation process.”
Documents on the consultation, which will run for 12 weeks, are available at: www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/02/9972
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