Equality Assessment Consultation on ASB Housing Proposals

Overview

Background 

The Department was represented on a multi-agency, cross-departmental Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Legislation Review Delivery Group to consider and identify proposed legislative measures which could deliver positive outcomes in addressing ASB in Northern Ireland. 

Housing officials identified two topics for potential amendments, similar to powers currently in use in England and Wales: injunctions against ASB and Absolute Grounds for Possession.

The proposals outlined above were included in a joint public consultation with the Department of Justice which ran from 28 November 2023 until 04 March 2024. An extension was provided until 05 April 2024 for a small number of organisations.

Equality Impact Assessment

As part of the analysis process, a small number of concerns were raised by stakeholders in respect of the impact of the proposals on Section 75 categories. In response to this, Housing officials have conducted a full draft Equality Impact Assessment which is subject to a 13-week consultation (12 weeks plus 1 extra week to allow for extra time over the Christmas period).

In line with the NICS Digital First principle, responses to this consultation should be made online through the Citizen Space survey which can be accessed below.