Wrexham Council Takes Action Against Anti Social Tenants 457 Times In 2011/12

Wrexham Council has taken tough action against anti-social tenants in 2011/12 a report has shown.

In total the authority’s Tenancy Enforcement Team took action against unruly tenants 457 times.

13 tenants were evicted, 135 served with a notice of seeking possession, 29 a postponed order for possession (court gives the tenant a chance to change their behaviour) and 21 a full order for possession (court are satisfied that the tenant must leave the property). On 11 occasions the occupant gave up their tenancy before being evicted.

Other action against council residents included 180 legal warnings, 50 orders to recover court costs and the issuing of 18 acceptable behaviour contracts.

During 2011/12 837 cases of noise/anti-social behaviour were successfully resolved and closed by Wrexham’s six estate officers, however 796 cases remain open.

In a further break down of referrals received by the tenancy team 26% of cases dealt with anti-social behaviour, 19% were a result of multiple complaints, 15% property related, crime and refusing access both accounted for 11%, drugs 10%, pets and violence both on 3% and 2% of cases were due to noise.

Earlier this year Wrexham Council’s Housing and Public Protection Department became the first local authority in Wales to be awarded the Welsh Government Standard for Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour.

The report which will go before the council’s Homes, Environment and Communities Scrutiny Committee on Wednesday describes how cases are investigated by the enforcement team: “Tenancy Enforcement Officers fully investigate the complaints, and collate the necessary evidence to resolve the issues.

“These investigations can include actions such as interviewing and taking statements from complainants, interviewing the alleged perpetrator, involving partner agencies and sharing of information between them, sound monitoring and surveillance.

“Warnings to perpetrators will be issued, and if they fail to comply, legal action will be commenced.”