Ministers to outline anti-social tenant measures

The process of evicting anti-social tenants could be simplified under plans being put forward by the Scottish government.

The proposal is among radical changes suggested in a consultation on how 600,000 houses in the social rented sector are allocated and managed.

The consultation will ask whether the eviction process should be simplified for the worst offenders.

It will also ask if anti-social tenants should lose tenancy rights.

Housing Minister Keith Brown is due to unveil the proposals this week.

Under the plans, social landlords could be given greater flexibility over housing allocations, and be allowed to take into account any previous history of anti-social behaviour which may affect the decision on who gets housing.

There are 128,000 households with someone currently on social housing lists.

Statistics from the independent Scottish Housing Regulator indicate housing associations recorded around 24,000 complaints about anti-social behaviour in 2009-10.

'Living hell'

Mr Brown said landlords and tenants had lobbied hard for changes to the way affordable rented housing was allocated and managed.

He said: "We have listened and these proposed changes reflect, I believe, the views we have picked up from organisations and individuals the length and breadth of Scotland.

"Anti-social behaviour has a serious impact on individuals and communities.

"Feedback suggests that even low-level, persistent anti-social behaviour can harm communities.

"The measures we are consulting on will also help good tenants who currently feel powerless to deal with bad neighbours, who make their lives a living hell."

The consultation is due to run for 12 weeks and will inform recommendations on some of the content of a future housing bill.