WIREDGOV

The Minister was speaking at the Safer Communities Conference in Cardiff, and his words come as the Welsh Government published an independent report showing how social housing providers in Wales can better provide for victims of anti-social behaviour and domestic abuse.

He said:

“Unfortunately, incidents of anti-social behaviour and domestic abuse remain far too common in homes across Wales. The research published today shows that in the period from November 2012 to October 2013 the four Welsh police forces received 114,361 anti-social behaviour complaints, whilst Welsh social landlords reported that they had recorded 20,323 complaints.

“It is clear that the housing sector in Wales has a  vital role in identifying and supporting victims and I am determined to do all I can to implement the  recommendations within this report. Work to this end has already begun with the proposals the Welsh Government has set out in the Housing Bill and the Renting Homes Bill. 

“These bills propose measures which will make it clear what is expected of all landlords, and will place a greater emphasis on identifying and dealing with anti-social behaviour and domestic abuse. They include the introduction of mandatory registration and accreditation for private landlords and letting agents and proposals for a Prohibited Conduct clause to be included in every rental contract covering homes in Wales.

“The report has also highlighted some good work being done by many across Wales, and I’ve seen for myself recently the good work being done to tackle anti-social behaviour at Bron Afon, for example.
 
“But whilst we are making progress in tackling these heinous crimes, there is clearly much more to be done. I am determined that we will leave no stone unturned in our commitment to tackling this problem and this must start with the housing sector adopting a more consistent approach when tackling anti-social behaviour and domestic abuse.”

Related Links

How social landlords tackle anti-social behaviour