[KF] Viridian Housing has become the first housing association to include a gang membership clause in all tenancy agreements.
According to the Association, incidents of gang related antisocial behaviour are increasing in large urban estates, often involving serious issues such as gun crime, rape and murder.
Viridian's in-house legal staff worked alongside its antisocial behaviour team to develop and implement the clause, which states:
'You, or anyone living, with you must not become a member of a gang or allow a member of a gang to visit the property.'
Clarifying the use of the term 'gang', Viridian said it would be using the definition applied by the Metropolitan Police Authority, which states:
'a group of individuals involved in persistent criminality for some form of personal gain (this includes profit and/or to gain or to demonstrate status) which is causing significant harm to the community and/or is of cross border concern.'
The Association of Chief Police Officers claim that 'significant' harm can have one or more of the following characteristics:
Association Includes Gang Membership Clause in Tenancy Agreement
The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) and Tenant Services Authority (TSA) launched the findings of their recent antisocial behaviour (ASB) baseline survey, at the CIH Conference in Harrogate.
The survey was undertaken by the ASB Action Team during May 2010 and was completed by almost 300 organisations, including arm's-length management organisations, housing associations, large-scale voluntary transfer associations, local authority housing providers and large housing groups.
The survey asked specific questions of housing providers directly relating to how they are currently delivering their ASB services to their tenants, from both a strategic and operational perspective.
The findings give a clear indication of the housing sector's position in relation to tackling ASB and demonstrate the barriers and challenges to this work.
The results of the survey show that tackling ASB remains a priority for social housing providers despite the economic downturn, but that more can be done to ensure ASB services deliver value for money.
The majority of landlords who responded demonstrated a clear commitment to working in partnership to ensure that the needs of the victims of ASB can be met. Furthermore, the survey findings show that, where there is scope to develop this work, landlords are eager to do so.
Peter Marsh, Chief Executive of the Tenant Services Authority, said:
"Tackling antisocial behaviour is a key concern for tenants across the country. The report highlights the difference in the tools and powers that are, and are not, being used by landlords to deal with the problem.
"These findings will help the ASB Action Team focus their work in supporting in improvements in ASB services for tenants."
To date, the ASB Action Team has been contacted by more than one hundred providers, seeking advice and support in improving their services.
To access a copy of the survey findings click here.
