Agenda and minutes

The Director of Housing and Neighbourhoods presented the refreshed interim Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Policy and associated Procedures as required by all local housing authorities under Section 12 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003.  The Policy was last refreshed in March, 2011.

The abolition of 2010 Rotherham Ltd. and the return of Housing Services inhouse had required cosmetic changes to the Policy to reflect the re-organisation.  Changes had also been made to reflect the shift in focus in how victims across all strands of ASB were dealt with.  The Policy was now made up of 13 sections opposed to the original 11 to ease the location of information (Appendix 1 refers).

In May, 2012, the Government White Paper “Putting Victims First – More effective responses to anti-social behaviour” proposed changes to how ASB was tackled by all agencies.  It was anticipated that the changes would become law by late 2012/early 2013.

The refreshed documents had been the subject of appropriate consultation including Legal Services.

Discussion ensued on the document with the following issues raised;-

-        Publicising cases where successful enforcement action had been taken against perpetrators

-        Change public perception

-        Use of social media to promote the work being done

-        Add Demotion of Tenancies to the Prevention measures

Resolved:-  (1)  That the refreshed interim Anti-Social Behaviour Policy and Procedures and Summary be approved as ‘interim’ operating policies pending confirmation of new Legislation outlined in the Government White Paper “Putting Victims First – more effective responses to anti-social behaviour”.

(2)  That the content of the documents be revisited once any change in Legislation was confirmed as a result of the White Paper (anticipated late 2012/early 2013).

Resolved:-  That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council)).

Resolved:-  That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council)).

The Director of Housing and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on the above estate which had been undergoing regeneration since 2004 involving the relocation of households to facilitate the phased demolition of 86 unsustainable Tarran non-constructed properties which was nearing completion.

Despite every attempt to facilitate a move, 2 households still remained on site preventing final clearance. 

The Strategic Housing Investment Service, Ward Members and the local community were anxious to progress matters to enable the next major phase of the regeneration programme.

It was suggested that the circumstances of the households concerned may have altered in the 8 years from regeneration works beginning and investigations should take place to ascertain if there had been any changes to their housing requirements.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the 2 remaining households be served with a Notice Seeking Possession and Notice to Quit respectively and Court Proceedings for Possession Orders be issued if necessary to facilitate the clearance, disposal and redevelopment of the Braithwell Road, Maltby, site.

(2)  That the identification and holding back of 2 suitable alternative properties for offer to the 2 remaining households be approved.

(3)  That clarification of the 2 remaining households’ current housing requirements and the issue of possible recharging of Court Proceedings be investigated.