Kirsty Varley reponds to questions about the implications of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014
I was heartened to read the considered and detailed comment by Robin Denford (“Right to reply: Mind the gap”, NLJ, 12 June 2014). My recent pieces on this subject have certainly encouraged debate amongst the profession where it was seemingly absent before-hand (see “Mind the gap”, NLJ, 23 May 2014, p 11). This is always welcome and can only serve to improve the service offered to our clients.
I note that Mr Denford does not use s 153D of the Housing Act 1996 (HA 1996) in Bristol to any great extent. My experience and the anecdotal evidence from client officers nationwide, is that this is a well-used and greatly appreciated tool. There will clearly be local variations with any remedy, and this can be seen from the viewpoint offered by Mr Denford at Bristol Council.
I question the assessment of the current s 153D injunction offered by Mr Denford.
