LOCAL LETTINGS POLICY

Introduction

As a result of the implementation of the Choice Based Lettings Scheme in February 2008. City Homes is implementing some Local Lettings Policies in targeted areas in Cambridge City.

These areas have been identified on order to sustain these communities in a way that minimises problems associated with Anti Social Behaviour and in the interests of good estate management.

The areas highlighted at 11^th January 2008 include:

Whitehill Close and Arran and Wenvoe Close's local lettings policies expired in January 2009 and we do not intend to extend these as the communities have settled well.

The following area was added on 25^th October 2008 due to increased complaints about anti social behaviour.

The following areas are recommended from 1^st June 2009:

Background

Thorpe Way flats especially, Dennis Road Blocks 56-61, 62-67, 68-73

The estate is still a neighbourhood priority for tackling asb and drug related nuisance. Whilst it is considered that the estate has improved over the past 12 months this has been greatly assisted by the lettings policy. There have been 15 voids in the last 12 months and 6 people have been refused under the terms of the policy, 5 for history or current misuse of Class A drugs and 1 for known history of ASB associated to drug use in previous accommodation.

One crack house closure order made last year.

Current cases are details as follows:

At the first address, complainants have reported drunken and drug related activity, visitors shouting, screaming arguing in the communal areas. NOSP to be served shortly also looking at a crack house closure

At the second address, complainants have reported large number of visitors, extreme noise levels, allegations of possible prostitution

At the third address, complainants have reported large numbers of visitors coming and going at all times of the day and night and associated noise

At the fourth address, complainants have reported excessive loud music, intimidation and harassment towards residents, cultivating of drugs. NOSP have been served for ASB

Hanover and Princess Crt (existing Local Letting policy agreed October 2008 expires October 2009)

This multi storey site is located close to the city centre. As such, some tenants especially those with alcohol and drug dependency problems have attracted street life people who frequent local facilities like Jimmy's night shelter and the city centre.

During the last 12 months, the anti social behaviour team and City Homes has received a number of complaints about noise associated with drunkenness and the on site caretaker has advised City Homes about problems with dogs fouling the corridors and communal gardens and the caretaker has been threatened to the extent that he had to be temporarily moved off site.

In the first example, complaints have been made about tenants with a history of alcohol misuse and her dogs fouling the communal area.

In the second example, complaints were received about a tenant's violence towards other residents.

In the third example, complaints were received about pidgeon feeding.

In the fourth case, complaints were received about threatening behaviour and noise targeted at an elderly tenant.

There have also been allegations of drug misuse, prostitution and par kor.

At a recent residents association, the level of nuisance associated with dogs and noise at Hanover and Princess Crt may be under-reported and extra steps are being taken to encourage more reporting.

Ditton Fields

Since Mid December 08, there have been 23 reports of ASB by young people ranging from 8-14yrs of age. These reports include mini-moto use in the area, knocking on doors, paint being thrown over a car, roof slates damaged by stones, petrol being poured over belongings in a drive, bin and a skip fire in the rec, water balloons being thrown at doors, racist language overheard, 4 occasions of fences being broken beyond repair, smashed car and house window, and a car being set alight on the highway. The fire service have had to patrol the area due to the fires and the police have had to target their resources to deter the mini-moto and illegal trial bike usage on the estate and in the new rec.

Latimer Close

Latimer Close is due to be redeveloped in the near future and is currently an area where there have been reports relating to drug misuse. At this time there are flats becoming available which are being allocated to people involved or previously involved in street life and its associated drug and alcohol misuse culture.

Due to the hidden nature of Latimer Close and the limited sizes of the flats in this area which makes them very susceptible to the easy transfer of noise nuisance.

ALLOCATIONS

Thorpe Way estate and Hanover and Princess Crt

City Homes would like to disregard applicant(s) for this area who have the following issues or known history of the following social issues;

Ditton Fields

City Homes would like to disregard applicant(s) for this area who have the following issues or known history of the following social issues;

Latimer Close

City Homes would like to disregard applicant(s) for this area who have the following issues or known history of the following social issues;

REVIEW

City Homes proposes to implement a Local Lettings Policy in these areas for a period of 12 months, after which, City Homes in conjunction with the Anti Social Behaviour and Choice Based Lettings Team will review an extension up to a further 12 months.

F Swann

Snr Housing Officer

7th May 2009

Agreed By Senior Officer Review Panel 26^th of May 2009

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