The move comes just weeks after the Queen's Speech outlined government proposals to reduce antisocial behaviour (HT 14 November, page 7).
As Housing Today went to press, representatives from various agencies – including the police and social services – were due to meet with the council to confirm the course of action. It is understood that objections to the interim order are unlikely, and that proceedings will be issued against a 14-year-old girl who lives in a council property.
Liz Poole, principal housing officer with Stafford borough council, said: "This is a matter of pressing concern regarding a disruptive juvenile."
Interim orders can be made without notice of proceedings being given to the defendant, and may be granted at the outset of application proceedings for a full ASBO, if the court considers that it is just to do so. According to Home Office guidance, the interim order will reduce witness intimidation by making it unlawful for the offender to continue nuisance behaviour while the ASBO application is being processed. Along with introducing the interim order, the amendments to the 1998 law will allow housing associations – as well as local authorities and the police – to apply directly for orders.
Helena Moore, head of housing services at Bromford Housing Group, Wolverhampton, said: "Increasing the range of remedies available to us is always a positive move."
Housing professionals have expressed doubts, however, that the changes to the law will achieve the government's aim of increasing the use of ASBOs.
Claire Castle, chief executive of Anti-Social Behaviour Operations, a company that helps social landlords deal with nuisance tenants, said: "Although they've been given the power they wanted, where are most RSLs going to get the money to use ASBOs more often? It takes time and money to support witnesses, collect evidence and to present the case."
Recent research by crime reduction charity NACRO found the average ASBO costs £5000.
Source
Housing Today
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