Respect Q&A
These are some of the questions you asked at the 2007
Residents' Day
Why won’t the Trust move someone who’s causing a problem?
The Trust wants to work with victims and perpetrators to
successfully stop anti-social behaviour. Eviction is seen as a
failure and should only be used as a last resort. It takes time to
gather evidence to take someone to court. We need to get better at
keeping residents informed of the action we are taking. The council
nominates 75 per cent of our lettings. They have a statutory duty
to house people and social landlords have a duty to assist them.
The Trust can refuse nominations from the council if there are
concerns, but we can only do so in a limited number of
circumstances.
Why does the Trust house families in rural areas where there
are few facilities for young people?
The council operates a choice-based lettings system, so people
can choose the area they want to live in. So it is the people
themselves who choose to live there. Homeless families have a
restricted choice about where they are housed.
Should we put all new tenants on short-term
tenancies?
Assured Shorthold Tenancies or Starter Tenancies are seen as
positive practice in the Respect Standard. They are also used by
many social landlords as the ‘normal’ tenancy for all new
tenants.
What can be done about younger children (under 13) who are
causing problems?
The majority of young people do not cause problems. The youth
service only provides services for 13-19 year olds. Play Rangers on
some estates provide structured play opportunities for children
aged 8-13.Communities can set up their own youth projects and young
people can apply for funds for activities via the new Youth Fund.
For information, contact them using the details below:
01761 300304
youth_bank@bathnes.gov.uk
If young people who are causing nuisance are children of Trust
tenants, we will work with them to stop the behaviour. It breaches
their tenancy obligations as they are responsible for the behaviour
of their family members and visitors. If the tenant fails to
address the problem, then we will consider taking legal action,
although this is a last resort.
What can be done about gangs of young people hanging
about?
Enforcement is the last resort; talking to them is the first
step. The Youth Service has detached youth workers to engage with
young people on the streets and the Youth Fund is now available for
young people to apply for, if they have ideas about what they want
to do.
What housing support is there for people coming out of
prison?
Local authorities assist homeless people to find somewhere to
live and released prisoners fall into this category. They have to
join a housing waiting list and their needs are assessed in the
same way as any other applicant. In the case of dangerous offenders
or sex offenders, the process is different. Housing associations
work in partnership with councils, the police and probation
services under a process known as Multi-Agency Public Protection
Assessment (MAPPA) to find the person a suitable property where
they present the least possible threat to the community.
Will the Respect Standard mean more money, power or
resources?
There will not be any more money available, so we have to make
sure that responses are effective and provide value for money,
using the tools already available to us. There is a small legal
budget, however, it is costly to get orders like in junctions
against people, from£150 to £15,000, depending on whether they are
defended.
What’s the difference between an ABC and an ASBO?
An Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) is a civil order and is
enforceable. Any breach is a crime. Post-conviction ASBOs are given
to people over the age of 10 for a minimum of two years, although
they can be indefinite. An Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC) is a
voluntary contract, which can be negotiated by any agency.
What can be done about dogs and dog fouling?
B&NES has a dog warden service and you can also raise issues
at your council Partners and Communities Together (PACT) meetings
or contact your local Police Community Support Officer(PCSO).