Landlords Hit Out At ASB Reforms

Government reforms to tackle nuisance behaviour could cost social landlords £10 million. Under proposed reforms, local authorities and housing associations will be forced to act on anti-social behaviour when tenants make complaints. The Home Office intends to replace anti-social behaviour orders and other court orders in England and Wales with a range of new tools. The reform package could leave councils with a £10 million bill for taking tenants who breach orders back to court. The Home Office has confirmed that councils will pick up the £1,000 administrative and legal costs of dealing with a breach. This was previously paid for by the police. Last year, more than 10,000 ASBOs were breached. Social landlords will be duty-bound to deal with anti-social behaviour problems in their stock under the shake-up. Read more on Inside Housing.