Cracking down on antisocial behaviour was a key element of the Queen’s Speech this week, which covered many issues relevant for housing workers.

Nuisance behaviour will be tackled in the clean neighbourhoods and environment bill, which will enable councils to issue on-the-spot fines of up to £100 for flyposting, vandalism and excessive night-time noise.

Powers will also be introduced through the drugs bill enabling drug offenders to be tested when they are arrested, rather than when they are charged. In some cases, positive tests will mean compulsory treatment.

The charities bill, which only applies to England and Wales, will impose tighter fundraising regulations on housing and homelessness charities.

Development will face new restrictions from the draft commons bill, which will protect land that is part of the “rural cultural identity of England and Wales”.

The mental capacity bill will provide a statutory framework for dealing with welfare decisions for people who lack capacity through mental illness or disability.

Source

Housing Today