LOCAL LETTINGS POLICY

Introduction

Leading up to the implementation of Choice Based Lettings 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:

Background

Whitehill Close

During the preceeding 18 months, there have been X number of nuisance complaints in this small street. Broadly speaking, households in this street are aged over 55.

There have been complaints about 5 different tenancies in this street and this includes properties close to the entrance of the street in Whitehill Rd.

At the first address, complainants have reported drink and drug induced anti social acts such as urinating in the public area, shouting and swearing during the night and daytime, begging, violent acts including assault, arson and squatting.

At the second address, complainants had reported break ins, drunken behaviour and bicycles strewn over the garden.

At the third address, complainants had reported verbal and physical aggression,

At the fourth address a police raid had occurred involving alleged drug related activities and allegations of domestic violence.

At the fifth address complainants had reported broken windows, careless discarding of needles, visitors shouting threats in the street

Arran Close and Wenvoe Close

The residents in this street are predominantly older people and the flats are located alongside an older people sheltered scheme.

During the preceding 18 months, there have been numerous complaints about anti social behaviour in this street resulting in legal action.

There have been complaints about six different tenancies in this street.

At the first address, the occupants were moved to the flats as part of management move because of the anti social behaviour that they caused at their former address. Since moving to this address, complaints have been received about domestic violence, misuse of the communal areas, XXX?

At the second address, complaints have been received about prostitution, vomiting in the communal area, drunkenness and begging

At the third address, complaints have been received about domestic violence spilling out into the street.

At the fourth address, complaints have been received about domestic violence, which can be overheard by more than one neighbour.

At the fifth address, complaints were received about large numbers of youths coming and going at all hours and associated noise.

At the sixth address, complaints were made about drunkeness and dogs roaming the communal area.

ALLOCATIONS

Whitehill Close

City Homes would like to disregard applicants for this area who have the following social issues:

Arran Close and Wenvoe Close

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

The Thorpe Way estate, in particular the named blocks above, have spiralled into a state of social decline with high crime levels and increasing incidents of anti social behavior. The estate is deemed to be a priority ward in terms of resource from all agencies i.e., housing, police, youth services, community development etc this has been identified by Local Councillors and will be progressed through the Neighbourhood Action/Policing Group in addition to the Problem Solving Group.

A local lettings policy would be appropriate to tackle problems of crime, vandalism and antisocial behaviour and to contribute towards a sustainable community.

During the past 12 months, there have been numerous complaints of nuisance within these compact blocks.Four of which have resulted in legal action being taken. There is a mixture of households in these blocks ranging from single people, small families to the elderly.

At the first address, complainants have reported attempted break-ins and arson, drunken and drug related abuse, fly-tipping, visitors shouting, screaming arguing in the communal areas.

At the second address, complainants have reported loud music, large numbers of visitors at all times of the day that cause a general nuisance and noise by hanging around in the stairwells, spitting, swearing, smoking cannabis, broken windows.

At the third address, complainants have reported domestic disputes, often spiralling into the communal areas, large quantities of dumped rubbish and a number of `rough' sleepers lodging at the property at different times.

At the fourth address, complainants have reported large numbers of visitors, in particular youths, coming and going at all times of the day and night and associated noise, riding motorbikes across the communal grassed areas

Allocations

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

06.03.08

Jon Feasey Manager and Sue Simms CBL Team Leader agreed this with the exception of Perse Way as the Area Manager decided not to proceed with this. It was also decided not to advertise properties solely in band C for Wenvoe and Arran Close. 07.03.08

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