ANGUS COUNCILLORS LEAD WAY ON HOUSING POLICY
A group of Angus councillors could lead the way in changing current legislation to make the system fairer for local residents desperate to get suitable council housing.
At the moment locals are frequently "knocked down the list" when those deemed as being homeless are given priority.
The problem has been raised on numerous occasions at meetings of Forfar Community Council, but at last month's meeting Forfar Councillor Bill Middleton revealed there are plans in the pipeline to change the system.
He, along with neighbourhood services convener Jim Millar, vice-convener Colin Brown and fellow committee member Donald Morrison, have made two trips to the Scottish Parliament to spell out their concerns to Alex Neil MSP, Minister for Housing and Communities.They have now been tasked to set up a group to highlight the current problems.
In the past residents in various parts of Forfar - Kemsley Park, Lordburn, Restenneth, Viewmount and more recently Wellbraehead - have had to cope with the aftermath of those with drink and drugs problems moving into their neighbourhood.
Last month's meeting of the community council heard from community liaison officer Ally Smith of Tayside Police who said they had to deal with housing issues on almost a daily basis.
Councillor Bill Middleton explained there were local residents in Forfar who had been on the housing list for some time, but under the current legislation they are knocked back when a house is allocated to someone deemed as "homeless".
He said: "We have people on the housing list but, when people come along with an alcohol or drug problem, they get preference. That is completely wrong.
"We have been down to the Scottish Parliament twice to meet with Alex Neil as we want the legislation changed as it is a ridiculous situation.
"I feel so sorry for young people desperately seeking housing but they can't get to the top of the list; this is happening all over the country."
After the meeting councillor Middleton told the "Dispatch and Herald" the main issue was not anti-social tenants, but the way in which residents can be moved down the list when others come in.
"It is really a housing issue. The problem is local people are finding they are second or third on the list but before they know it they are fourth, fifth or sixth
"Because of the current legislation we have to house homeless people somehow. They come in and have to take priority over our local people who are having problems getting accommodation.
"We have had two very good meetings with Alex Neil and he has asked us to come up with what the concerns are to see if we can get the legislation changed.
"This isn't so much about anti-social behaviour but about getting the housing list moving."
Commenting on the Angus project Alex Neil told the Dispatch: "Anti-social behaviour remains a blight on too many communities in Scotland.
"The Scottish Government is determined to tackle the problem. The pilot project being set up with Angus Council is a good example of how we all need to work together to tackle this menace."
A spokesperson for Angus Council said: "Productive meetings have taken place between a cross-party group of elected members from Angus Council and the housing and communities minister.
"The meetings discussed issues relating to housing waiting lists and Angus Council now plans to set up a group to look at ways that the present system could be adapted to more closely match both local needs and national legislative requirements."
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Weather for Forfar
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 2 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 3 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 6 mph
Wind direction: South west
