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Housing Crack Down On 'Anti-Social' Tenants following European Convention on Human Rights

20 February, 2002  

Kingston Housing department is introducing new procedures to clamp down on the anti-social behaviour, neighbour nuisance and racial harassment that can cause such disruption to the lives of other tenants.

The Housing Department is introducing the new procedures to ensure that all tenants feel safe and secure in their homes and neighbourhood, in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights.

Action available for dealing with 'anti-social' tenants now include:

• Injunctions, prohibiting certain acts, and Anti-Social Behaviour Orders.  Breaches of either would result in a fine or prison sentence, and the loss of their home. Tenants evicted for anti-social behaviour will not be given alternative housing.

• Responsibility for the actions of other members of the household and their visitors. Tenants can be evicted for allowing their children to cause a nuisance.

The Council does not seek to evict families and will always try to resolve problems without the need to take possession proceedings.

• Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs). Introduced from the 1st March 2002 in conjunction with Kingston Police, Acceptable Behaviour Contracts ensure a young person does not continue with anti-social behaviour. If the ABC is broken the young person may face legal action or their family may be evicted.

Kingston Council Officer - Head of Housing Mike England, says:

"The Council will not tolerate anti-social behaviour. We are committed to working with our customers and addressing problems that they may encounter quickly and efficiently where necessary, through adopting a firm but fair approach.

The Council will continue to work closely with Kingston Police and other agencies as part of the Community Safety Partnership. Information on incidents will be shared and the culprits will be exposed."

Chief Inspector Bernie Verrier, from Kingston Police, says:

"We intend to deal robustly with anti-social behaviour within the Borough.

Through this initiative working closely together with Housing staff and other agencies we will be able to control and prevent anti-social behaviour occurring.

Individuals who commit anti-social behaviour will now be confronted with a variety of sanctions. We aim to improve the quality of life for all those who live and work in the Borough."

The Housing Department regularly review their policies and continues to monitor their response to improve the service they are able to provide tenants. Estate Managers are trained to deal with anti-social behaviour problems and the revised procedures provide clear guidelines on how to investigate complaints and take appropriate action.

The Council can not act alone. The success of policies for dealing with anti-social behaviour will depend on the co-operation of tenants and residents. These anti-social behaviour policies have the firm support of The Federation of the Royal Borough of Kingston Residents Association, whose shared interest is the safety and security of people and their homes and neighbourhood.

Tenants who experience problems with neighbours should contact Kingston Housing. If the Council is asked to help and the matter cannot be resolved the complainant will be required to assist in the gathering of information and evidence. Serious nuisance and harassment cases are rarely straightforward and complainants are advised that they must be prepared to give evidence should the matter go to Court.