Landlord Licenses, Child Exploitation Crackdown and Labours New Plans…
ASB News
Northumberland Council Implements Selective Licensing to Tackle Problem Landlords and Tenants in Blyth
Northumberland County Council has approved a selective licensing scheme for the Croft and Cowpen wards in Blyth. This initiative requires landlords to obtain a licence before renting properties, aiming to address poor housing quality and anti-social behaviour. The council highlighted a strong link between substandard housing and health inequalities. The scheme is part of broader efforts to reduce deprivation, improve property standards, and tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in the area. It aligns with similar initiatives in Durham and Newcastle. You can read the full article here:
Darren’s Thoughts: This scheme could be a positive step towards improving rental property standards and addressing anti-social behaviour. It sets clear expectations for landlords and promotes safer, better-managed communities. How the management of the licenses will work, and how they will be administered is something we will need to see developing over time – but this could be a really positive strategy.
Image Credit: Greater Manchester Police
Rochdale Council Shuts Down Criminal Businesses Linked to Child Exploitation and Money Laundering
Rochdale Council has shut down over a dozen businesses involved in child exploitation and money laundering. These businesses, earning up to £3,000 daily from illegal tobacco and vape sales, were linked to severe crimes, including manslaughter. The council’s partnership enforcement team (PET), working with landlords, closed 18 premises, disrupting organised crime networks. The initiative highlights a community effort to eliminate these activities and enhance safety in the borough.
Rochdale Council employed several ASB strategies to shut down the criminal businesses, including:
- Closure Orders: Legal orders to close properties used for criminality and serious ASB.
- Partnership Enforcement Team (PET): Collaboration with police, landlords, and other agencies.
- Disruption of Organised Crime Networks: Targeting the financial and operational bases of criminal enterprises.
- Community Reporting and Intelligence Gathering: Engaging the community to report suspicious activities.
These tools collectively helped to dismantle the illegal operations and enhance safety in the area. You can read more on this case here
Janine’s Thoughts: This action by Rochdale Council is a commendable example of using ASB tools effectively. The use of Closure Orders and the coordinated efforts of the Partnership Enforcement Team (PET) are crucial in dismantling these criminal operations. Such decisive measures not only disrupt illegal activities but also send a strong message that exploitation and money laundering will not be tolerated. It’s a positive step towards safeguarding local areas and tackling the increasing issue with these types of shops in communities.
Labour’s First Week in Power: Key Updates for Our Sector
Here is what we know so far in the first week of the new Labour Government:
Child Exploitation and Crime Crackdown
Labour has introduced a new law specifically targeting child exploitation by drug dealers. This law aims to address the coercion of children into illegal activities, a prevalent issue in “county lines” operations. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance policing and protect vulnerable youth.
Housing Sector Reforms
Labour’s planning proposals include the reintroduction of mandatory local housing targets and the formation of a taskforce to expedite stalled housing developments as their way of addressing housing shortages and improving living conditions. The Regulator of Social Housing issued its first consumer standard judgements, with four landlords receiving non-compliant ratings. This action underscores the importance of maintaining high standards in social housing and holding landlords accountable.
What Hasn’t Been Addressed Yet – The Housing Ombudsman’s Warnings and Skills Shortage
The Housing Ombudsman has raised significant concerns about window-related complaints in social housing, highlighting widespread failures that need immediate attention.
A new report has revealed a severe skills shortage in the housing sector, particularly in London, where an additional 2,600 workers are needed. This shortage could impact the sector’s ability to meet rising demands and maintain quality standards.
Janine & Darren’s Thoughts: Labour’s initial actions appear to reflect a commitment to tackling crime, improving housing standards, and addressing workforce challenges. These measures could create a more robust and supportive framework for professionals working in the sector but it is too early to tell what impact this will have – we are really looking forward to exploring this more at the #ASB10 conference this Autumn where we will have heard the key points from the first Labour conference as the sitting government. Don’t forget to get your tickets as they are selling fast!