In a sector known for its compassion, the tough language being used by David Blunkett about antisocial behaviour still goes against the grain (page 16). But much of what he proposes in the white paper and the bill has struck a chord with housing professionals. Antisocial behaviour is the biggest problem confronting social landlords – in cost and reputation. The sector can rebrand several times over but unless it creates an environment where people are, and feel, safe, it will have little effect in promoting social housing from the housing of last resort. As a consequence, talk of rights and responsibilities is becoming common parlance.

Although measures for community courts, streamlining injunctions and ASBOs have been welcomed, not everything in the bill is seen as desirable or practical. There is also widespread concern that it concentrates on punishing bad behaviour rather than rewarding good. It is slightly outside its remit, but the low-cost home ownership taskforce could redress the balance here, perhaps by looking at ways to incentivise tenants. And there's nothing to stop landlords going down the Gold Service route pioneered by Irwell Valley, as Edinburgh is doing (page 13).

Where the housing sector and Blunkett diverge – and where he would do well to listen – is in the withdrawal of housing benefit. It would undoubtedly hit rogue private landlords where it hurts, but it would also leave families homeless and responsible social landlords in debt. Providing more funds for initiatives such as the Dundee Families Project, where disruptive people learn how to curb their behaviour, would be money well spent.

Withdrawing housing benefit would hit rogue private landlords, but leave responsible ones in debt

Full steam ahead or the stuttering start Of A DIFFICULT journey? It's an obvious question for councils weighing up their options after the first of the government's private finance initiative housing schemes was agreed in Manchester this week – three years after nine pathfinder PFIs were unveiled (page 14).

Source

Housing Today