Tunbridge Wells anti-social behaviour housing ban proposal

People who have been involved in anti-social behaviour may be barred from a housing register in Kent.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council said the proposal was intended to help it deal with a waiting list of more than 2,000 households.

The council said it would be "mindful of wider legislation". The plan will be considered by councillors next week.

However, Kent Citizens Advice Bureau said the scheme could be in breach of human rights.

John Cunningham, cabinet member for housing, said: "We are seeking to ensure that those who have made other people's lives a misery are not able to apply for social housing as everyone is entitled to quiet enjoyment of their homes.

"We look forward to the consultation responses, but have in mind applying this to any member of a family where there is substantial evidence of anti-social behaviour.

"This will not be new policy - this criteria is part of the current Housing Allocations Policy."

However, Stuart Jeffreys, a case worker from the Citizens Advice Bureau, said the proposal was vague.

"This is moving from very specific precise controlled circumstances to a very broad situation.

"We don't think that's fair, reasonable or necessary."