Housing Benefit: Anti-social Behaviour

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Lord McKenzie of Luton)
My honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (James Plaskitt) has made the following Statement.

I am pleased to announce the local authorities that have been chosen to pilot a sanction of housing benefit linked to anti-social behaviour. The sanction, contained in the Welfare Reform Bill (Clause 31), is part of the Respect programme and would apply where a household has been evicted for anti-social behaviour and subsequently refuses to engage with rehabilitation services offered. It will give local authorities an additional tool for tackling anti-social behaviour in order to achieve a culture of self-respect, respect for others and respect for community.

The intention is to pilot the scheme for two years (subject to the Bill receiving Royal Assent) in the following local authorities:

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council;
 

Blackpool Borough Council;
 

Dover District Council;
 

Manchester City Council;
 

New Forest District Council;
 

Newham London Borough Council;
 

South Gloucestershire Council; and
 

Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council