08 February 2002
Home Secretary David Blunkett has told registered social landlords that, under planned reforms, they should be able to apply for Asbos following consultations with the local authority and the police. The measure is part of a government attempt to revive the scheme. Just 466 orders have been made since they were launched three years ago.
Helen Williams, a policy officer at the National Housing Federation, said RSLs had a range of views on Asbos but it was important that they worked in partnership with councils and other agencies. 'We will look at how these agencies work together in terms of enforcement action and also prevention,' she said. 'We must strike a balance between safeguarding communities and working with people who cause problems.'
The Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions has meanwhile told social landlords that Asbos are one of a range of measures for tackling antisocial behaviour. In a guide published on February 4, the DTLR also suggested the use of introductory tenancies, tighter tenancy agreements and injunctions.
Research shows that up to 20% of housing managers' time is spent on dealing with nuisance and antisocial behaviour with 2–10% of tenants on any given estate the subject of complaints.
PFfeb2002
