Field told Housing Today that the Liberal Democrats killed off the bill by tabling amendments and making endless speeches: "They talked it out after the chair had warned them 15 times. I have asked 10 Downing Street to take the bill up."
But the Liberal Democrats said the bill was "bad legislation" so it was their duty to try to improve it.
The Liberal Democrat amendments provoked knockabout exchanges in last week's debate. Conservative James Clappison accused Liberal Democrat MPs of "inhabiting a world full of Victor Meldrews on crack" because they sought to exempt the over-65s from the bill.
Campaigners against the bill, who included the Local Government Association and 20 voluntary sector groups, were jubilant about its demise.
Homelessness charity Shelter said: "This bill would cause homelessness and exacerbate poverty among poor families.
"We hope this is the last we will see of these proposals."
National Housing Federation policy officer Helen Williams said: "We are pleased the bill did not complete its passage.
"Antisocial behaviour is a complex issue that needs more thought."
Some better ideas
Four ideas on tackling antisocial behaviour, from homelessness charity Shelter:- Expanded resettlement and rehabilitation services for perpetrators, like the Dundee Families Project, which has helped 80 families, none of whom have been evicted since leaving the centre
- More prevention work, especially dispute resolution. Nottingham’s Mediation Service dealt with 70 disputes last year, two-thirds of which reached a successful conclusion
- Better use of existing remedies. The use of specialist antisocial behaviour teams helps develop the expertise needed to make use of the range of tools available, and ensures that measures are taken to support victims through the process
- A general duty on social landlords to tackle antisocial behaviour, such as the one proposed in the consultation paper from the Law Commission.
Source
Housing Today
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