Prime minister Tony Blair has signalled the launch of a two-pronged offensive against antisocial tenants and landlords with plans for new legislation that's been dubbed "Frank Field mark two"
In his leadership address to the Blackpool conference this week, he announced that a Criminal Justice Bill, to be introduced later this year, will also target nuisance neighbours and rogue landlords.

His remarks have been taken to mean not only a resurrection of Labour MP Frank Field's controversial bill – under which antisocial tenants would lose housing benefit, and which failed in the summer (see linked story, below) – but also licensing for private sector landlords.

Amid applause from delegates, he said: "Antisocial tenants and their antisocial landlords who make money out of abusing housing benefit, while making life hell for the community, should lose their right to it."

One source described the new law as "Frank Field mark two". He said the prime minister was giving a clear nod to the introduction of licences for private sector landlords – also mentioned in deputy prime minister John Prescott's speech the previous day.

Field himself praised Blair's comments as "brilliant". "I sent a note to Tony Blair in the summer about how this measure may be implemented," he said. "I suggested either via a draft housing bill or this criminal justice bill."

The Home Office minister leading the bill is likely to be former housing minister Lord Falconer, whom Field said had been "keen" on his bill to curb benefit payments to antisocial tenants.

But Shelter policy director Alistair Jackson said: "Taking away housing benefit will make families homeless and local authorities will have to rehouse many of these families. Punishing antisocial tenants often doesn't make them change their behaviour. Taking away housing benefit leads to eviction – that just displaces the problem."

Homelessness charity Centrepoint echoed fears that benefit withdrawal will increase the risk of homelessness.

In his speech, the prime minister also announced a tougher approach to drug dealers and other criminals who will have assets such as houses seized if they are unable to prove they earned them by legal means.