Resident Questions for Housing Area Panel

Reference Number: C3.7

Department

Housing

Date question raised

24.10.2022

Week of Area Panel

12.12.2022

Area in city

Central

Star rating applied by residents

3

Deadline for officer response

Wednesday 16th November 2022

Officer job title

Sylvia Peckham, Head of Temporary & Supported Accommodation

 

Resident Question

Title of Question

Anti-social Behaviour and temporary accommodation

Issue:

Residents at Malthouse Court are concerned about the concentration of temporary and hostel accommodation in the area.

Background:

Over the past 6 months there have been major problems with tenants in a temporary accommodation flat. This has included broken windows, noise late at night and constant visits from the police. It has been really disruptive. Residents feel they are taking more than their fair share of problematic tenancies in their area.

Action requested by residents:

Residents asked for a response to the following questions:

·         Does the Council have to inform residents if a flat in the block is being used for temporary accommodation? Is there any consultation and advance notice?
Do residents have any say about this?

·         Are there any guidelines to ensure that temporary accommodation and problematic tenancies don’t get concentrated in any one area?

·         Why is stronger action not taken by the Council when problems arise?

Officer Response

Officer contact details:

 

Sylvia.peckham@brighton-hove.gov.uk

Officer Response:

 

·         The Council would not inform residents in a block that a flat is being used by a temporary accommodation tenant and it is not a requirement to do so.

 

·         There is no guidance on the number of flats that may be used as temporary accommodation in one area. Like other types of tenure and home ownership, there can be problems with anti-social behaviour.

 

·         The Council understands it is very difficult for residents when a neighbour perpetrates anti-social behaviour (ASB). The action taken in relation to ASB will depend on the behaviour and the impact. The Council will support the victim of ASB and also attempt to work with the perpetrator to support  behaviour change and de-escalate the situation. The Council takes enforcement action where a tenant breaches their tenancy.  When we do so we are required to follow a legal process, and this includes demonstrating to the court what we have done to change the behaviour of the perpetrator, including addressing support needs. Action taken is proportionate, appropriate and robust.

 

Action:

N/A

 

 

Start date:

N/A

 

 

End date:

N/A