The ODPM launched a three-month consultation exercise on its proposal to use new powers to make it possible for councils to ask those bodies managing their housing under s.27 of the Housing Act 1985, to also carry out some, or all, of their ASBO functions. This would include Arms Length Management Organisations (ALMOs), Tenant Management Organisations (TMOs), and those managing housing as part of a Private Finance Initiative scheme.
Housing Minister Yvette Cooper said, "These proposals will help councils make local decisions about the best way to tackle the antisocial activities. Providing local authorities with the option to ask ALMOs and other housing management bodies, to also pursue ASBOs on their behalf, will help ensure that those delivering front line services have access to the powers they need. It will also recognise the role housing management plays in meeting the wider needs of communities."
The Minister also said, "To ensure their proper use, our proposals for ASBOs include a number of safeguards which will maintain accountability and rigour when protecting communities from unacceptable behaviour"
The consultation closes on 1 February 2006.
Police used new powers, introduced by the Antisocial Behaviour Act 2003, to declare an exclusion zone around two North London housing estates. The new powers allowed police to ban any persons suspected of causing trouble there entry to the exclusion zone, for 24 hours.
The ban could also apply to residents of the Andover and Six Acres Estates in Finsbury Park, which are managed by the ALMO Homes for Islington, although any residents cautioned would still be allowed access to their homes.
The action was instigated by officers of the Safe Neighbourhood Team in an effort to deal with problems associated with drugs and prostitution.
The left-of-centre Institute of Public Policy Research, in a new report, recommended community offender panels to deal with antisocial behaviour and small crime. The report suggests a new level of local court sitting below magistrates. These would have the support of the Probation Service, and be staffed by volunteers. The report's author envisages a local court holding responsibility for low-level sentences, such as community service, and the instigating of mediation programmes.
Birmingham's Labour Party was reportedly exploring the possibility of creating a specialist registered social landlord to provide housing for antisocial tenants.
The proposal is part of the local Party's policy blueprint, which looks ahead to the Spring 2006 local elections and the target of unseating the present Tory-Liberal control. A zero-tolerance policy on antisocial behaviour is a key part of the policy document.
