Kilkenny County Council has vowed that it is to attempt to reduce, discourage, and if possible prevent anti-social behaviour occurring in social housing in Kilkenny.
In a new policy document recently presented to the members of the two local councils, best practice is outlined for the allocation of social housing to tenants in private housing estates and it even goes so far as to say that the local authority avoids allocations as far as possible where the interests of good estate management are in doubt.
The new draft document also outlines that people who partake in activities such as drug dealing, criminal activity, violence, intimidation, persistent noise, damage of property, litter issues, and uncontrolled children or pets will have their homes repossessed.
AnnMarie Robinson, housing officer with Kilkenny local authorities, spoke to both authorities last week outlining the new policy document.
She said that on average the council dealt with up to 25 ASB cases a month in 2009 and 2010, but those only led to between five and seven evictions per year, with “notice to quit and exclusion orders the very last desire”.
Ms Robinson added that anonymous complaints could not be dealt with, although she agreed many of the complaints were from people who were too afraid of intimidation to give their names.
“I disagree with not dealing with anonymous complaints,” said Cllr Maurice Shorthall. “Tenants are terrified in their homes in some cases. All serious anonymous complaints should be investigated.”
“Complaints may be vexatious or malicious and so we have to be careful that the complaint is valid before we investigate or take action. However, we do reserve the right to not investigate and we can always make a judgement call,” Ms Robinson said.
At the borough council meeting Cllr Joe Malone asked if ASB would be policed after 5pm in the evening when most of it took place.
“Noise levels in particular in houses and estates occur late at night and there is nobody to complain to or to witness the behaviour after hours,” he said.
Ms Robinson replied: “There are amendments to the noise pollution legislation to reinforce what we are trying to do.”
Members also paid tribute to Jim Ryan who has worked in the housing department in this area for years and who is set to retire at the end of the year.
“We are losing Jim and we are losing a good man,” said Cllr Marie Fitzpatrick. “He has done great work and dealt with issues within communities on a regular basis.”
There is a complaints procedure outlined in the draft anti-social behaviour policy which outlines how tenants’ complaints are dealt with and how the authority can make an eviction if deemed necessary.
The document adds that the council will not tolerate anti-social behaviour and will use all means within its power to ensure that it is dealt with effectively.
Tenants who are evicted will be considered to have rendered themselves homeless through their behaviour and will not be eligible for any other form of emergency housing.
