Anti-social tenant kicked out

A council has used a law to end the housing tenancy of a woman who was the subject of an anti-social behaviour order.

Fife Council said it was the first time in Scotland that the power had been used since the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 came into effect in September 2002.

The council said it had been forced to end the non-secure tenancy of the woman as a result of her behaviour and that of her partner and her family at the property in St Andrews.

As a result of the orders granted at Cupar Sheriff Court, the tenancy was changed from secure to non-secure for a period of six months.

We are all too well aware of the way the selfish actions of a minority can ruin the quality of life of a whole community Councillor Alex Sawers

Under the terms of the new agreement, the tenant risks losing their home if they continue with their anti-social behaviour.

However, if the misconduct ends, the tenancy can be made secure again after six months.

Fife Council said the law allowed tenants who may previously have faced eviction to be given one last chance to remain in their home.

The woman had breached the anti-social behaviour order twice by playing loud music, causing "considerable disruption", the council said, leaving it with no option but to terminate the tenancy.

'Top priority'

Housing spokesman Councillor Alex Sawers said: "We are all too well aware of the way the selfish actions of a minority can ruin the quality of life of a whole community.

"While anti-social behaviour is no worse in Fife than in any other part of Scotland, the council has made tackling it a top priority."

First Minister Jack McConnell has put anti-social behaviour high on the Scottish Executive's targets to be tackled by legislation.

Last month he launched the Anti-Social Behaviour Bill which proposes the extension of the orders and electronic tagging to the under-16s.