Living nightmare prompts council house review
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A "LIVING NIGHTMARE" for council house residents plagued by a problem neighbour is set to spark a review of Moray Council’s allocations policy.
‘The Scot’ reported recently how an unruly neighbour who had been making life a misery for residents on Hossack Drive had moved out and been relocated elsewhere in Moray.
The problem location is part of a 48-home new council house development at Linkwood, the first council houses to be built in 20 years.
Residents only received their keys three months ago but following these problems, housing staff have been monitoring the situation in the street on a regular basis and there were enhanced community warden patrols.
Local councillor John Divers urged the council to review its allocations policy and the issue went before members of the communities committee this week.
Labour colleague Barry Jarvis claimed there were inadequacies in the policy and recent events showed there was a clear need for a review.
"Often we know in advance about issues in advance and should be taking precautionary measures to avoid these tenants becoming a blight on their community and a nuisance to the authority," he said.
In this particular case, he said the resident had shown no regard for council rules and made life a "living nightmare for fellow residents".
Elgin South Councillor Graham Leadbitter said in many cases, people near the top of housing lists have more complex needs and support requirements, which can prove difficult when a large number of houses are allocated at the same time.
"There is not an easy answer. We have tenants with known anti-social behaviour problems, whether that be because of alcohol or drug addiction, and they are clearly known to the council.
"I had a situation in my own ward where someone with an alcohol dependency was housed next door to another person with an alcohol dependency.
Councillor Leadbitter said the council had to be careful when housing people who lead "chaotic lives" and whose problems are known to the council.
Jill Stewart, chief housing officer, told members that a review of the allocations policy was not straightforward and changes made in certain areas could have knock-on effects in others.
"A review is not going to address all the ills of the world. There may be some aspects of change that are straightforward while others may be more complex," she said.
Over 360 houses were allocated last year across Moray and the percentage allocated to homeless people is 51%.
