§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues on redefining tenancy agreements to ensure antisocial tenants can he evicted promptly. [7291]
§ Mr. DenhamThe Minister of State at the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, who has policy responsibility in this area—my noble Friend Lord Falconer—recently met with my hon. Friend and the Leader of Nottingham city council to discuss concerns over the time it can take a social landlord to evict antisocial tenants. To follow up this meeting officials at the DTLR are exploring ways in which the eviction process might be speeded up in cases of serious or persistent antisocial behaviour. As part of this they will be discussing possible approaches with local authorities, including Nottingham city council.