Benefit Sanctions Pilot In Dover District

As part of their ongoing commitment to support communities and to tackle anti-social behaviour, Dover District Council is one of seven authorities nationwide taking part in a Government pilot for housing benefit sanctions, launched today (1 November).

To help raise awareness of the new anti-social behaviour powers, a training event was held at the Ark in Dover on 31 October. The event was held for registered social landlords, Police and Council staff to outline the new powers and explain how they will be used to help tackle issues for the benefit of communities.

Under the new powers, Local Authorities can impose Housing Benefits sanctions if residents continue to disrupt communities and do not work with the Council to improve their anti-social behaviour. Under the pilot, anyone evicted for anti-social behaviour could have benefits cut after a possession order is made.

Nadeem Aziz, Chief Executive of DDC and Chairman of the Dover District Community Safety Partnership, said: "We are working hard with residents and all partners in the community to ensure the district remains a safe place. Although these are not powers that we would use without proper consideration of all effects, the pilot will give an additional tool to use in our ongoing work to support and promote community safety."

Cllr Mrs Julie Rook, DDC Cabinet Member for Citizenship, said: "Dover District Council remains committed to tackling anti-social behaviour for the benefit of the community. Whilst this power will only be used a last resort in appropriate cases, we do welcome this as another way to tackle anti-social activity."