Central government funding was secured by High Peak Borough Council to appoint an Anti-Social Behaviour Officer. The funding will support the new post for two years and provide support services across the Borough. Tackling anti-social behaviour is a key priority in the High Peak Community Safety Strategy, which has targets to reduce the perception of anti-social behaviour. Since 2004, High Peak Community Safety Partnership has successfully implemented 5 Dispersal Orders and completed 26 Acceptable Behaviour Contract interviews.
Nottingham Council's plans for bringing its housing stock up to the decent homes standard hit fresh troubles with a new assessment of the cost of the works involved. The Council's ALMO - Nottingham City Homes - failed to secure £165 million government funding because it was not awarded a two-star rating in its first Audit Commission inspection. Now it appears that the £165 million, even if secured, may have not been enough to complete the required works. The Council has employed consultancy Savills to re-value the required works, including a stock condition survey of an additional 3,000 dwellings.
Following representation from the National Housing Federation, Taunton Dean Council has deferred until the Summer a decision on its proposed charge on social landlords of £115 for providing nominations from its housing waiting list. (Refer to the February edition of the Housing Monthly Diary).
Middlesbrough Council confirmed that residents required to move to more expensive properties in the City because their homes were due to be demolished, would receive a bridging payment if they remain close to the town centre. If they move further away, the payment amount will drop by 50%.
Tenants of Rochdale Boroughwide Housing were angered by a provisional agreement with Rochdale Council to incorporate the ALMO's repairs call centre into a council-wide service run by the private contractor Impact Partnership. Local tenant umbrella groups accused the Council and ALMO of failing to consult properly. The accusation has been denied.