Richmond tackles antisocial behaviour

The London borough of Richmond-upon-Thames has developed a new local tenancy strategy designed to help eliminate antisocial behaviour, which is sure to be a welcome move for those residing in the area.

Deputy leader of the council Geoffrey Samuel announced the new initiative at a cabinet meeting to resounding support from all involved, with councillor Lisa Blakemore seconding the motion.

"Housing Association tenants with a proven history of antisocial behaviour or criminal activity should not be able to renew their housing tenancies, in order to protect the living environments of other tenants," Mr Samuel said.

The strategy, which was outlined and finalised during the same meeting, will be sent to all local Resident Housing providers as a way of standardising their approach to dealing with antisocial behaviour.

Councillors agreed that providers should be offered a more robust way of reducing repeat offences and voted whole-heartedly in favour of giving them the tools to do so.

As a result, the strategy identifies a number of key indicators, such as how Housing Associations should consider any serious breaches in tenancy when deciding whether or not to renew a contract.

"I believe strongly that those who have been involved in criminal acts and antisocial behaviour should not get the right to renew tenancies," Mr Samuel said.

"There are many situations where good law abiding residents have their lives made a misery due to antisocial behaviour and they shouldn’t have to stand for it."

Richmond council defines antisocial behaviour as activity that is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to people who are not in the same household as the perpetrator.

Examples include graffiti, abusive and intimidating language, drunken behaviour, dealing drugs and fouling the street with litter.

Residents are encouraged to report instances of the above by filling out a form on the council's website.

Published 7th February, 2013

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