Join us in the fight against crime, Clarke orders housing professionals

Speaking at the Chartered Institute of Housing’s presidential dinner last Wednesday, Charles Clarke told housing organisations to work with other bodies, such as the police and social services, to help the government’s “crime-fighting agenda”.

He said some professionals were reluctant to get involved in antisocial behaviour cases.

He said: “Despite all that has been achieved, there remains an ‘after you, after me’ approach. ‘Do not talk to me, talk to environmental health’ … At each of these levels you have to take responsibility and say ‘we want to work with the others’.”

He added: “I want to pay tribute to people who say this is our problem … There are people who think it’s a bit tough and would prefer to duck it, but go out and confront it.”

Writing for Housing Today this week, Clarke again said local authorities and associations should “embrace” their responsibility to set and enforce standards of behaviour.

Clarke said: “I see two key areas for progress. First is making sure every person who is a victim of antisocial behaviour knows where to turn for help and can see action when they do, and the housing sector is in a pivotal position to make this a reality.

“Second, I would urge you to fully embrace your responsibilities to enforce standards of behaviour and, along with the community, show what is acceptable and what is not.”

We have worked hard and we are clear about our responsibility

Ian Richardson, CIH

Speaking in response to Clarke at the dinner, the CIH president Ian Richardson emphasised that housing officers were working hard to tackle antisocial behaviour.

He said: “Too often the only reference made to tenants is about antisocial behaviour and crime. We have worked hard and we are clear about our responsibility.”

Richardson also urged Clarke to reconsider proposals to withdraw housing benefit payments from tenants who are subject to an antisocial behaviour order.

He said: “Such a proposal could be instrumental in compounding rather than solving the problems.”

Clarke got a mixed reception from guests at the dinner. Howard Farrand, chief executive of Whitefriars Housing Group, said: “The point Clarke was making was valid. If you do any community work at all, you’ll know people’s fear of crime is the top concern.”

However Chan Abraham, chief executive of Luminus Group, said: “I think there was disappointment about the negative tone. People in housing are very keen to improve the quality of life for tenants. Housing officers work closely with the police, education and social services and it was a shame that his speech didn’t seem to acknowledge that.”