0:00:02 > 0:00:03You could be down there without anybody knowing.
0:00:03 > 0:00:05'Everyone deserves a safe place to live.'
0:00:05 > 0:00:09Your home is falling apart, you're going to fall apart.
0:00:09 > 0:00:11'But with rents rising and demand increasing,
0:00:11 > 0:00:16'it's getting harder and harder to find a secure place to call home.'
0:00:16 > 0:00:18- It's a stinky little hole.- It is.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21'I'm Matt Allwright and I'm back with the housing enforcers.'
0:00:21 > 0:00:23Phew! It stinks.
0:00:23 > 0:00:24If I'm honest with you,
0:00:24 > 0:00:28I'm not sure whether I would want Grace going into that house.
0:00:28 > 0:00:29'I'm on the front line
0:00:29 > 0:00:32'with those fighting for the right to decent housing...'
0:00:32 > 0:00:34Ooh, this place is a bit of a mess.
0:00:34 > 0:00:36They usually urinate in that corner.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38'..as local councils and housing associations
0:00:38 > 0:00:41'battle problem properties, and slum conditions...'
0:00:41 > 0:00:44The smell in there, everything just reeks.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46'..as they deal with dodgy landlords...
0:00:46 > 0:00:49Probably here is about as far as it's safe to go.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51'..nightmare neighbours...'
0:00:51 > 0:00:52- She has been kicking you? - Yeah.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54Get rid of him.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56'..and everything in-between.'
0:00:56 > 0:00:57OK...
0:00:57 > 0:01:01'..to help those in need of a happy and healthy home.'
0:01:01 > 0:01:02- Behind every door...- Yeah.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05..is a little bit of a detective story.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12'Today I might have bitten off more than I can chew
0:01:12 > 0:01:14'at a community lunch club.'
0:01:14 > 0:01:17We've got apple pie to go next
0:01:17 > 0:01:20and I would imagine that the entire assembly
0:01:20 > 0:01:23is going to want a cup of tea afterwards, as well.
0:01:23 > 0:01:24Ah! That's hot!
0:01:26 > 0:01:30'In Suffolk, a council eviction doesn't quite go according to plan.'
0:01:30 > 0:01:32They seem to have double-locked the door.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34RATTLING
0:01:34 > 0:01:38This is a good example of a good old waste of council time.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42'In Newcastle, housing officers try to help
0:01:42 > 0:01:45'tenants living in fear of a neighbour from hell.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47- He comes to his window and shouts...- "I'm surrounded."
0:01:47 > 0:01:50"I'm surrounded, I've got a bomb. I'm going to blow yous all up."
0:01:51 > 0:01:54It's almost like he's declared war on everybody.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56- Everybody.- It's not just you guys.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00'And after 50 happy years,
0:02:00 > 0:02:03'this tenant in Stroud is facing up to losing his home.'
0:02:03 > 0:02:07I never thought we'd ever move, but that's the way it happens.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09You think, "I've been here 57 years" -
0:02:09 > 0:02:10it's a long time, isn't it?
0:02:14 > 0:02:16Making sure everyone has the chance
0:02:16 > 0:02:19to find and keep a roof over their heads
0:02:19 > 0:02:23is the job of housing officers across the UK.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25I'm working alongside these men and women
0:02:25 > 0:02:28who use the law to make sure we don't live in slums,
0:02:28 > 0:02:32but in homes fit to raise a family or enjoy our retirement.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35They can make sure you have the facilities you need
0:02:35 > 0:02:36as you get older.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39They also have the power to enforce a landlord
0:02:39 > 0:02:42to sort out a dangerous property
0:02:42 > 0:02:44or help evict a bad tenant.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46It's definitely a challenging role.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48Welcome to the world of the housing enforcers.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57The UK is facing up to the challenge of an ageing population,
0:02:57 > 0:03:01with recent statistics suggesting that in just over 20 years' time,
0:03:01 > 0:03:04almost a third of us will be over 60.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07That's obviously going to have a huge impact on our housing needs,
0:03:07 > 0:03:08but there's also another issue
0:03:08 > 0:03:12facing local councils and housing associations.
0:03:12 > 0:03:13It's estimated that, today,
0:03:13 > 0:03:16more than a million older people will go a whole month
0:03:16 > 0:03:19without speaking to friends, family or neighbours,
0:03:19 > 0:03:21and there are real fears that loneliness
0:03:21 > 0:03:24could be the next big public health issue.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27Today, I'm in London.
0:03:28 > 0:03:29Welcome to the old banger.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34If it doesn't start first time, don't be too concerned.
0:03:36 > 0:03:37On the road - hopefully -
0:03:37 > 0:03:39with Hyde housing officer, Grace Briody.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41She's become more than a little concerned
0:03:41 > 0:03:44about a couple of her local elderly residents.
0:03:44 > 0:03:46Hello, Sylvia, it's Grace.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48BEEPING
0:03:48 > 0:03:50That's that one.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52'They both live up here on the third floor.'
0:03:55 > 0:03:56OK.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59No escaping the rain, even up here.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02'Although London is one of the busiest cities in the world,
0:04:02 > 0:04:05'Grace is worried this pair may be in danger of becoming isolated
0:04:05 > 0:04:07'from their local community.'
0:04:07 > 0:04:09Coming in. Hello.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11How are you doing, Shirley?
0:04:12 > 0:04:16'Now in their 80s, and with health and mobility problems,
0:04:16 > 0:04:20'Sylvia and Shirley have shared many happy memories here in their flat.'
0:04:20 > 0:04:22How long have you two lived together now?
0:04:22 > 0:04:24We've been here, we've been friends a long time.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26I couldn't tell you how long,
0:04:26 > 0:04:29but we've been friends for a long time.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33My mum and dad was alive, her parents was alive,
0:04:33 > 0:04:35and everything was lovely.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37We've been very, very good friends.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39Haven't we, Sylvia?
0:04:39 > 0:04:41- Yes.- Yeah.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44And if anyone has a go at her, I have a go at them.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46- You're like my sister.- Oh, yeah.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48- You are a team?- Yeah.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51And also, there's Peanuts, as well.
0:04:51 > 0:04:56- How old is he know, 14? - 14, he is, yeah.- Getting on.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58When the lady came in this morning,
0:04:58 > 0:05:00she tried to take him out but he's a bit stubborn,
0:05:00 > 0:05:02he wouldn't go out cos it was raining.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04Oh, of course.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07'Although life inside these four walls seems happy enough,
0:05:07 > 0:05:09'Grace is worried that it's been a while
0:05:09 > 0:05:12'since either Shirley or Sylvia has ventured outside.'
0:05:12 > 0:05:15One of the things we talked about was that you're a bit worried
0:05:15 > 0:05:16about not getting out
0:05:16 > 0:05:18cos you're worried about getting a bit lonely
0:05:18 > 0:05:20or feeling a bit, kind of, isolated.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23When you're indoors, you know you're only going to sit here
0:05:23 > 0:05:27and look after Peanuts, but Peanuts is no trouble, really.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30What happens when you don't go out, though, for a few weeks?
0:05:30 > 0:05:35When I don't go out, I sit here, I do whatever I'm doing -
0:05:35 > 0:05:38cooking, I do the cooking for me and Sylvie.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42We watch TV or I go in my bedroom and do my knitting
0:05:42 > 0:05:45or listen to the wireless set there.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47'Well, today's going to be a bit different,
0:05:47 > 0:05:50'as Grace has organised a little trip for the girls.'
0:05:50 > 0:05:52So, how are you feeling about lunch club today?
0:05:52 > 0:05:54Do you remember we spoke about lunch club?
0:05:54 > 0:05:58- Going to the centre, you mean?- Mm. - Yeah, I'm looking forward to it.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00- Yeah?- Yeah.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02I just want to get out, meet people, and that's it.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05'A visit to a community lunch club
0:06:05 > 0:06:08'might not seem part of a housing officer's job description,
0:06:08 > 0:06:11'but as I've learned, a home for people like Sylvia and Shirley
0:06:11 > 0:06:13'is more than just bricks and mortar -
0:06:13 > 0:06:16'it's about the community that you live in, too.'
0:06:16 > 0:06:20What's it like, having Grace to come and help you with these things?
0:06:20 > 0:06:21It's good, it's good.
0:06:21 > 0:06:26Comes and talks to us and all that, helps us out a bit, you know.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29How about this lunch club? Are you looking forward to that?
0:06:29 > 0:06:30I don't know, cos I've never been before.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33- You never know, you might make some friends there...- Might do.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36- That you could see regularly.- Yes.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40- I really hope they've got some of these cupcakes.- What?
0:06:40 > 0:06:43The little cupcakes, you know, with loads of icing on top.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45Do you know what? I've never had a cake in my life.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47I've not had one cake.
0:06:47 > 0:06:48How have you avoided cake?
0:06:48 > 0:06:52Just avoid it. Just leave it alone. Just leave it alone.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55Cos cake is one of the best things there is.
0:06:56 > 0:06:57'Shirley definitely seems to have
0:06:57 > 0:06:59'got the taste for a trip out, though.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02'Unfortunately, Sylvia's not feeling up to it today.'
0:07:02 > 0:07:04I'll be back in a few hours.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06I'll pop back up with Shirley, all right?
0:07:06 > 0:07:07- Yeah.- All right, then.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10'So, it's up to me and Grace to provide backup.'
0:07:10 > 0:07:13There's Sylvia and Shirley,
0:07:13 > 0:07:17both with their particular selection of challenges to overcome.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19But they're still getting by.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21Imagine the same picture,
0:07:21 > 0:07:25without Gracie and the other little team of people
0:07:25 > 0:07:27that they've got helping them, just to do the basics,
0:07:27 > 0:07:30just to do the stuff that we kind of take for granted,
0:07:30 > 0:07:35and that whole picture would be much more dismal, I think.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37Anyway, lunch club beckons.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40I can't believe that Shirley's never had cake.
0:07:40 > 0:07:41That's not right.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45'Later on, we'll see how both Shirley and I get on
0:07:45 > 0:07:47'when the dinner bell sounds.'
0:07:47 > 0:07:50Very important job, being in charge of custard, you know.
0:07:50 > 0:07:51- It is.- You can't muck this up.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59Meanwhile in Suffolk,
0:07:59 > 0:08:00housing officer Andrew Weavers
0:08:00 > 0:08:02is on his way to carry out
0:08:02 > 0:08:04one of the more unpleasant parts of the job.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08The main role of a housing officer is to get people into housing
0:08:08 > 0:08:10but, sometimes, when there's no other option,
0:08:10 > 0:08:13they have to remove tenants from their homes, too.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15There's an eviction on today,
0:08:15 > 0:08:17someone has failed to pay their rent.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21It takes an awful lot for someone to lose their council tenancy.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24People tend to get a lot of chances to pay their rent
0:08:24 > 0:08:26and make agreements and arrangements.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30We do our best to keep the roof over people's heads.
0:08:30 > 0:08:31It's really important,
0:08:31 > 0:08:34people don't realise the amount of support
0:08:34 > 0:08:36that we have to put in to try and keep people in their homes.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38We don't want to evict people.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41We always see eviction as a failure.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47The first thing Andrew has to do is gain access to the property,
0:08:47 > 0:08:51but when tenants are either absent or refuse to cooperate,
0:08:51 > 0:08:53it can be easier said than done.
0:08:55 > 0:09:00If he's there, then great. If not, we have to break the locks -
0:09:00 > 0:09:01which these guys are going to do for me.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03HE LAUGHS
0:09:07 > 0:09:09There doesn't appear to be anyone at home,
0:09:09 > 0:09:11which might be just as well.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13Andrew knows removing people from their homes
0:09:13 > 0:09:15can mean tensions can rise.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18The bailiff has got a stab vest on,
0:09:18 > 0:09:21we'll see if the council can fund a stab vest for me,
0:09:21 > 0:09:22if I can get one.
0:09:24 > 0:09:25I haven't seen anyone wearing a stab vest
0:09:25 > 0:09:28in this neck of the woods before, so...
0:09:29 > 0:09:32Even with a locksmith and a very powerful drill,
0:09:32 > 0:09:34today's job of breaking and entering
0:09:34 > 0:09:36seems to be particularly challenging.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38They seem to have probably double-locked the door.
0:09:41 > 0:09:46This is a good example of a good old waste of council time.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52It's not just time that's been wasted -
0:09:52 > 0:09:55today's eviction is an unnecessary cost to the council as well
0:09:55 > 0:09:58and providing quite a workout, as it happens.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01He's well and truly locked that door and made sure life is made
0:10:01 > 0:10:02a little bit more difficult for us.
0:10:06 > 0:10:07Success at last.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11That was a tough one.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14HE PANTS
0:10:16 > 0:10:19A lot of people pay for a gym membership, you know,
0:10:19 > 0:10:21it's a proper workout.
0:10:22 > 0:10:23Oh, dear.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26Now the door is - finally - open,
0:10:26 > 0:10:29Andrew can assess the condition of the property...
0:10:32 > 0:10:34..and that leaves quite a bit to be desired.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50They always forget to do the washing up
0:10:50 > 0:10:53and one of the biggest rules is, when you're on an eviction,
0:10:53 > 0:10:55is never open the fridge.
0:10:55 > 0:10:56Never open the fridge.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59Generally, if it has been empty for some while,
0:10:59 > 0:11:01as soon as you open the fridge, the smell hits you.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04Honestly, it really does get to you, the smell.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07I'm not going to open anything much. I'll leave that to someone else.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12As I say, he hasn't washed up
0:11:12 > 0:11:15and he's still got his washing in the washing machine, so...
0:11:17 > 0:11:20Evictions in England and Wales are at an all-time high,
0:11:20 > 0:11:25with more than 170 households removed from their homes every day.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28When the eviction takes place, it's then up to people like Andrew
0:11:28 > 0:11:30to make sure the property is in good condition
0:11:30 > 0:11:32for the next tenant to move into.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35But in this case, it's not only the washing up and rubbish -
0:11:35 > 0:11:36Andrew finds a couple of clues
0:11:36 > 0:11:40that something more sinister may have been going on here.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43Obviously, there's evidence of some sort of...
0:11:43 > 0:11:47They look like old cannabis leaves, dried leaves there, look,
0:11:47 > 0:11:51so there's obviously been some sort of drug smoking going on.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55A little baby one in there, look. So whether they were using this...
0:11:55 > 0:11:57Cos there's another trough here, look.
0:11:57 > 0:12:02They probably did a bit more growing, so...
0:12:02 > 0:12:04I can just about smell that one.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06That one's not quite completely dried out.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12With more than 1.2 million people
0:12:12 > 0:12:14currently waiting for social housing in England alone,
0:12:14 > 0:12:17there's clearly a demand for empty properties like this,
0:12:17 > 0:12:20but not in this state.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22This is obviously the living area.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24It's not very tidy.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27It's got his little drug-smoking, little ashtray, look.
0:12:27 > 0:12:28HE CHUCKLES
0:12:28 > 0:12:31You know, he's left all his stuff here,
0:12:31 > 0:12:34so we're going to have to store it for a little while,
0:12:34 > 0:12:37which racks up a little bit more money.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41We do recharge when they reappear or we find them.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46These all appear to be, mostly, lovely bills.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53Enforcement notice there.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56That's a non-payment of council tax, dated last year.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00This flat will need a fair amount of work
0:13:00 > 0:13:02to bring it back up to rentable standard,
0:13:02 > 0:13:05but, typically, Andrew is remaining positive.
0:13:06 > 0:13:07That's not so bad.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11We'll be able to clean that. We'll soon get someone else in here.
0:13:13 > 0:13:14There'll be a lot of money spent
0:13:14 > 0:13:17trying to get this back to habitable again.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20Getting this place clear, getting it all ready for the next tenant.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23Hopefully, we'll have someone who'll look after it
0:13:23 > 0:13:26and who'd want...who'd want it as their home.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29Today, all that's left is to change the locks.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32Just have to make sure
0:13:32 > 0:13:36all the windows are all secure and locked up
0:13:36 > 0:13:40cos we don't want anyone breaking in and squatting.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43If there's a window open, that gives them every right to get in, but...
0:13:46 > 0:13:49Well, it's all ours now, it's back in our hands,
0:13:49 > 0:13:53so that's the end of this gentleman's tenancy
0:13:53 > 0:13:59and I'll take these back and we then give this to our Voids team
0:13:59 > 0:14:02who'll go in and get the place ready for the next tenant.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07Now there's just the matter of those possessions left behind.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13Just put a Section 41 notice on the door.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16This gives him the opportunity and the information
0:14:16 > 0:14:20of how to contact us so that he can collect his bits and pieces
0:14:20 > 0:14:22that may be of any value in here.
0:14:22 > 0:14:27After a certain date, we will dispose of anything that's in there.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30That's me done, that's job done now,
0:14:30 > 0:14:31the property is back in the council's hands.
0:14:40 > 0:14:44Well, despite that opportunity to collect his possessions,
0:14:44 > 0:14:48the tenant left them for Andrew and the council to dispose of.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51The property has now been cleared and let to a new tenant
0:14:51 > 0:14:54but the council is still trying to trace the former resident
0:14:54 > 0:14:56to bill him for his rent arrears
0:14:56 > 0:14:59and the costs of clearing up the flat.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09Whether you're a private or social housing tenant,
0:15:09 > 0:15:12the idea of a home for life is pretty appealing.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14But what happens when the home you think you'll spend
0:15:14 > 0:15:17the rest of your days in becomes unfit for purpose?
0:15:19 > 0:15:23In Stroud, one council housing block is now so antiquated,
0:15:23 > 0:15:25the tenants are having to move out.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30Queen's Court is a 60-year-old block of 24 flats and maisonettes.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32It was a fairly new building in 1958,
0:15:32 > 0:15:35when 11-year-old Jim moved in with his mother,
0:15:35 > 0:15:39but the ageing building has reached the end of its natural life
0:15:39 > 0:15:40and is scheduled for demolition.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42You think, "I've been here 57 years" -
0:15:42 > 0:15:44it's a long time, isn't it?
0:15:44 > 0:15:46You get less than that for murder.
0:15:46 > 0:15:47HE LAUGHS
0:15:49 > 0:15:52I never thought we'd ever move, but that's the way it happens.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55Along with other residents,
0:15:55 > 0:15:5868-year-old Jim has to pack up and move out.
0:15:58 > 0:15:59Housing officer Chris Eadie
0:15:59 > 0:16:01has the responsibility to ensure
0:16:01 > 0:16:02that all the residents
0:16:02 > 0:16:04are suitably rehoused.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09This is an old block now, it's an unusual build for today,
0:16:09 > 0:16:11it's not really suitable for today,
0:16:11 > 0:16:13because it's got maisonettes above flats,
0:16:13 > 0:16:14which aren't popular.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18It's also in a condition where it's no longer economically viable
0:16:18 > 0:16:20to maintain as it is and therefore,
0:16:20 > 0:16:23we have to look at other options for people.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25The best option is to move people out
0:16:25 > 0:16:31and sell the site so we can use the finances for something else.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33Packing up after five decades in the same property
0:16:33 > 0:16:37is bringing back lots of memories for Jim.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40I was an 11-year-old when we moved in to the Queen's Court.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44I'm 68 now, so I've been there a long time.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47Since the death of his mum three years ago,
0:16:47 > 0:16:51Jim has been living in the first-floor flat alone.
0:16:51 > 0:16:52When my mother was alive,
0:16:52 > 0:16:55I used to look after her and everything.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59She was too old, she was 91 when she passed away
0:16:59 > 0:17:01and she didn't...
0:17:01 > 0:17:05If she'd been alive now, I don't think she'd have been able to move.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07She wouldn't have been able to put up with
0:17:07 > 0:17:10all the hassle of moving.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13A dodgy knee has also left Jim struggling with the stairs,
0:17:13 > 0:17:14so the council has found him
0:17:14 > 0:17:17a refurbished two-bedroom bungalow nearby.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20I was lucky to find this place. I'm quite pleased now.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23Just looking forward to the new challenge now.
0:17:25 > 0:17:26With his move only days away,
0:17:26 > 0:17:28Jim has come to the council offices
0:17:28 > 0:17:31to meet tenancy supervisor Chris Horwood.
0:17:33 > 0:17:34Hi there, Jim.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38Lovely. OK.
0:17:38 > 0:17:39This is your tenancy pack,
0:17:39 > 0:17:42- that you're going to take away with you.- That's fine.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44You don't need to make notes or anything, cos you've got it.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47OK, this is your tenancy agreement, then, Jim.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51You can see here it's a secure tenancy agreement,
0:17:51 > 0:17:53exactly the same as the one you've got at the moment.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56You're not demoted or anything. You have a secure tenancy, you keep a secure tenancy.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59You've been a tenant with us for a long time, haven't you? So...
0:17:59 > 0:18:03Yeah, well, obviously, when we moved in,
0:18:03 > 0:18:061958, I think it was, believe it or not...
0:18:06 > 0:18:08My mother... When did she pass away?
0:18:08 > 0:18:09Three years in November,
0:18:09 > 0:18:11so I took the tenancy over, then.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13- Yeah. Amazing, isn't it?- Yeah.- OK.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16If you wouldn't mind just signing to say you've had your keys.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20- There we go.- Great stuff. That's it, we're done.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22I hope you're very happy in your new home.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24I know it wasn't a choice of yours to move, was it?
0:18:24 > 0:18:27- No, but... - It's a nice property.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29It'll be nice to have it all on one level, won't it?
0:18:29 > 0:18:34- Yeah.- I'm quite looking forward to it, actually.
0:18:34 > 0:18:35Yeah, that's good.
0:18:37 > 0:18:38- Thanks.- Nice to meet you.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40As a secure tenant, Jim has been assured
0:18:40 > 0:18:43he can live in his next property for the rest of his life
0:18:43 > 0:18:46as long as he doesn't break the conditions of the tenancy.
0:18:46 > 0:18:47But that doesn't make the process
0:18:47 > 0:18:51of packing up half a century of memories any easier.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55I haven't got much more to do, now so...
0:18:55 > 0:18:59Just some clothes I've got to take with me, obviously, pack that up.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03Um...there's a few things in the kitchen and that's about it.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07Fortunately, the new property will be able to accommodate
0:19:07 > 0:19:09the things that matter most.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12The cabinet, I would love to take with me, which I can.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14It was my mother's, she bought it.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16It's sentimental, yes.
0:19:16 > 0:19:17That's quite old, actually.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20Mw other furniture, I haven't got to get rid of it,
0:19:20 > 0:19:23I can get it all in, which is really, really pleasing.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31Moving away after so many years can't be easy,
0:19:31 > 0:19:33but Jim is trying to stay positive.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35I'll miss the neighbours,
0:19:35 > 0:19:37but it's a new experience,
0:19:37 > 0:19:39so I'm quite looking forward to it now.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42So I just have to get on with life.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45I hope so anyway.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48We'll be joining Jim as he moves into his new bungalow
0:19:48 > 0:19:49a bit later on.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51Actually, it's the first time I've seen it.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54I didn't know they were going to put a new kitchen in, which is...
0:19:54 > 0:19:56I'm over the moon with that, it's really good.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03Defending our right to a safe place to live
0:20:03 > 0:20:06is the job of housing officers right across the UK.
0:20:06 > 0:20:07This is how they live.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09- There was a fire. - There weren't. Was not!
0:20:11 > 0:20:14I'm working alongside the men and women that do exactly that.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17Looks like whoever was here had their last couple of parties
0:20:17 > 0:20:18and then decided to give it up.
0:20:18 > 0:20:19Hitting the streets,
0:20:19 > 0:20:22finding out what's happening on the front line...
0:20:22 > 0:20:25Warrants have been issued and they can be enforced.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29..as we make sure a house is a fit place to call home.
0:20:29 > 0:20:30There's a strong smell of damp,
0:20:30 > 0:20:33you can notice it as soon as you come in the property.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36We're going to have no choice but to take them to court.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38Job well done.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47Earlier, we met Shirley and Sylvia at their third-floor flat.
0:20:47 > 0:20:48Housing officer Grace was concerned
0:20:48 > 0:20:51they might be becoming isolated from the rest of the community
0:20:51 > 0:20:55so organised a local trip to a local older people's lunch club
0:20:55 > 0:20:57and although Sylvia wasn't quite feeling up to it,
0:20:57 > 0:21:00Shirley was more than happy to poke her head out of the door,
0:21:00 > 0:21:01despite the weather.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04Cheers, my love. Thank you.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06You've got the umbrella this time.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08GRACE LAUGHS No mistakes this time.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10You want the umbrella?
0:21:10 > 0:21:11BOTH: No, you're all right.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16'The idea of this local lunch club is to keep people socialising,
0:21:16 > 0:21:20'especially those who might find it hard to get out of the house.'
0:21:20 > 0:21:22- It smells good.- That smells good.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25- Something smells nice. - That smells awesome.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27- Hello.- Morning.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29Morning, morning.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31Something smells nice.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33Hello. You all right?
0:21:33 > 0:21:36'It looks as if the guys here are expecting a big crowd.'
0:21:36 > 0:21:38If you want help serving the food,
0:21:38 > 0:21:39give me a shout and I'll help you out.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42I can help - I'm useless, but I'll do my best.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45- I'll do whatever I can. - Maybe set the tables.- Yeah?
0:21:45 > 0:21:47'Always happy to lend a hand.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49'Now, let's hope there's some cake on the menu for Shirley.'
0:21:49 > 0:21:51I hope you enjoy your lunch today.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53- We've got roast lamb.- Good.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55Oh...!
0:21:55 > 0:21:56Roast potatoes, parsnips.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00- Wow.- Mixed vegetables. Cabbage.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02- Very nice.- Yeah.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05I don't know if you heard, but that was my tummy rumbling.
0:22:05 > 0:22:06For future reference.
0:22:06 > 0:22:07And apple pie, custard,
0:22:07 > 0:22:09and they've got melons to start with today.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12And there's some juice.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15- How does that sound, Shirley? - Apple pie, hello!
0:22:15 > 0:22:17That's all right, I think we've got a taker there.
0:22:17 > 0:22:18- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22'OK, so, no cake, but apple pie and custard.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24'What's wrong with that?
0:22:24 > 0:22:26'To prove there's no such thing as a free lunch,
0:22:26 > 0:22:29'look, there's a new work experience lad in the kitchen.'
0:22:29 > 0:22:33I'm behind the scenes here at the Hyde village lunch club.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37We're awaiting the onslaught, there's a coachload coming.
0:22:37 > 0:22:42We've got to be ready for when they get here.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45'I've got my fetching green pinny on.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48'What could possibly go wrong?'
0:22:48 > 0:22:49Here they come.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53- You go - no, after you. - Are you sure?- Yes, definitely.
0:22:54 > 0:22:55'Everyone here is really friendly,
0:22:55 > 0:22:58'but it still must be a little nerve-racking for Shirley,
0:22:58 > 0:23:01'especially as she hasn't experienced
0:23:01 > 0:23:02'so many new faces in a while.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05'I really admire her for getting out and not giving up.'
0:23:05 > 0:23:08Shirley, do you want a cup of tea?
0:23:08 > 0:23:09- Yes, please.- There you go.
0:23:09 > 0:23:10- What's your name, sir?- Kenny.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14Kenny, would you like a cup of tea? There you go, mate.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16'As Grace has learned only too well,
0:23:16 > 0:23:19'there's not much that a cup of tea and a good chinwag can't cure.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23When I used to look after old people,
0:23:23 > 0:23:25I used to ask them the silliest of questions every week.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28One of the questions I asked one week was, "How old do you feel?"
0:23:28 > 0:23:30The interesting answer would always be,
0:23:30 > 0:23:32"To be honest, I know I'm 80,
0:23:32 > 0:23:34"but I actually just feel like I'm 18."
0:23:34 > 0:23:36Can you imagine putting an 18-year-old in a house
0:23:36 > 0:23:39and telling them they can't leave cos they're not mobile and able to
0:23:39 > 0:23:41and expect them to be OK with that?
0:23:41 > 0:23:43I think for some of the older people,
0:23:43 > 0:23:45mentally, they're still young, they still want to laugh,
0:23:45 > 0:23:47they want to talk about the same things
0:23:47 > 0:23:49and for people like Shirley and Sylvia,
0:23:49 > 0:23:50they've great personalities.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52Shirley's got a really good sense of humour.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55She really enjoys chatting to people and having a laugh,
0:23:55 > 0:23:58so getting out and having the opportunity to come here
0:23:58 > 0:23:59and just interact,
0:23:59 > 0:24:02it's what every person of all age needs.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06'Isolation is undoubtedly one of the biggest concerns
0:24:06 > 0:24:08'facing elderly people
0:24:08 > 0:24:12'and you can see how important clubs like this are to local residents.'
0:24:12 > 0:24:16It's one of those services that if it wasn't for Doris volunteering,
0:24:16 > 0:24:20making this whole thing happen, then it wouldn't happen.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23There would be no lunch club without volunteers like Debs
0:24:23 > 0:24:26and the rest of them that are prepared to give up their time,
0:24:26 > 0:24:29in the middle of a working day, to come and do this.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32It wouldn't be happening. Shirley would be at home
0:24:32 > 0:24:33for the rest of the day.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37'Now, there's only one thing standing between these residents
0:24:37 > 0:24:42'and their delicious roast dinner - me.'
0:24:42 > 0:24:43Thank you.
0:24:45 > 0:24:50- Swapsie.- We have a conveyor belt. - We have a conveyor belt going.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53'So far, at least, everyone seems happy.'
0:24:53 > 0:24:55Is the food always this nice?
0:24:55 > 0:24:57Yeah. It looks amazing.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00Better than the roasties I make.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02- Nice.- Yeah? Is it tasty?
0:25:02 > 0:25:03The meat looks nice.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08We've got apple pie to go next
0:25:08 > 0:25:11and I would imagine that the entire assembly
0:25:11 > 0:25:14is going to want a cup of tea afterwards, as well.
0:25:14 > 0:25:15Ah! That's hot!
0:25:18 > 0:25:22'It's a good job the pudding is in safe hands.'
0:25:22 > 0:25:24Very important job, being in charge of custard.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26- It is.- You can't muck this up.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30What do you guys do on the days you don't come to lunch club?
0:25:30 > 0:25:32What would you do if the lunch club wasn't here?
0:25:32 > 0:25:35You know, that day... Get a sandwich or something.
0:25:35 > 0:25:36Get a sandwich.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40- So this could be your only hot meal of the week.- Yes.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44'Hot food and good company - what more could you want?
0:25:44 > 0:25:46'Let's hope Doris, who helps deliver the service,
0:25:46 > 0:25:49'doesn't think I was completely useless.'
0:25:49 > 0:25:50How did I do?
0:25:50 > 0:25:53- Very well.- Really?- Excellent. You can be one of my volunteers now.
0:25:53 > 0:25:54That's it.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57Shirley, how's she fitting in there?
0:25:57 > 0:25:58She was all right. I mean, she's quiet,
0:25:58 > 0:26:01but they're involving her in the conversation.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04- Yeah.- So, we're going to ask if we can get her down
0:26:04 > 0:26:07to all the little sessions we do as well after lunch.
0:26:07 > 0:26:09- This programme is about housing. - Yeah.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12Obviously, this is not their bricks and mortar,
0:26:12 > 0:26:14but it's an extension of that, isn't it?
0:26:14 > 0:26:17Yes. It's fetching them out of their homes
0:26:17 > 0:26:21- that, sometimes, they become isolated in.- Yeah.
0:26:21 > 0:26:25A lot of elderly people become ill because they're isolated.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28They don't mix, they don't socialise.
0:26:28 > 0:26:29Do you see a change in them when they come here
0:26:29 > 0:26:31- over weeks and months?- Yeah.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34It's about having that little bit of continuity with them
0:26:34 > 0:26:36and caring about them.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38I think sharing and caring is what it's about, really.
0:26:38 > 0:26:40What would you want?
0:26:40 > 0:26:43Would you be wanting to sitting indoors with nobody to talk to?
0:26:43 > 0:26:45No, not really. I'd want apple pie and custard.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49- Yeah. So, it's... - And a bit of a laugh!- Yeah, yeah.
0:26:49 > 0:26:50And you know, if you get the chance...
0:26:50 > 0:26:55'That's the thumbs up from Doris. What do my customers make of it?'
0:26:55 > 0:26:56Are you off?
0:26:59 > 0:27:00Look at the speed!
0:27:00 > 0:27:02He's done something to that scooter,
0:27:02 > 0:27:05cos I've never seen one go quite that quickly.
0:27:05 > 0:27:07I go to lunch club because I depend on it.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10- Yeah.- Because then I can go home and relax and fall asleep
0:27:10 > 0:27:13and make a sandwich for tea.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15So, knowing you've had one good meal during the day
0:27:15 > 0:27:18means you don't have to worry so much about tea-time?
0:27:18 > 0:27:21- Yeah.- And what about the company? How important is that?
0:27:21 > 0:27:22Have you got family around you?
0:27:22 > 0:27:24I've got family all around me,
0:27:24 > 0:27:27but then no-one lives with me, I'm on my own.
0:27:27 > 0:27:31- Right.- And I look forward to coming out for treats,
0:27:31 > 0:27:34like a dinner and things like that.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37- They're all going.- Yes. - Really nice to meet you.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40- Thanks for having me.- Thank you. - See you again. Bye-bye.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42That's Dolly, the chair of the association.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44- Hello, Dolly. How are you? - How old are you, Doll? Tell him.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47- How old are you?- 91.- Are you?
0:27:47 > 0:27:48- So, you're still the chair.- Yeah.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51- Wow.- She's the honorary chair. - Fantastic.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54- Dolly, how was lunch today? - Beautiful, always is.
0:27:54 > 0:27:55- Did you get enough?- Yes.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59'The regulars obviously really rate this place,
0:27:59 > 0:28:02'but I'm wondering how our newest guest of honour got on.'
0:28:02 > 0:28:06- Shirley, what did you think of that? Of lunch club?- All right.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08- All right?- Yeah.- Just all right?
0:28:08 > 0:28:10No, it was maybe great, it was good.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13- Good. Out of ten?- Oh, I don't know.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16- More than ten.- More than ten?!- Wow.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18That's really good.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20Well, getting out, getting out of the house, innit?
0:28:20 > 0:28:22And the menu? How was the food?
0:28:22 > 0:28:24It was great. It was good.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26- Apple pie?- Good.- Nice.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28You're willing to give it a crack?
0:28:28 > 0:28:30- Yeah.- Peanuts can come down, as well.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33Yeah, well...he'll have your dinner!
0:28:33 > 0:28:34LAUGHTER
0:28:34 > 0:28:37No, he's not - very strict rules about that.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39Very strict rules we have about that.
0:28:39 > 0:28:41Thanks for letting us tag along today.
0:28:41 > 0:28:42That's all right.
0:28:42 > 0:28:46'I'm not surprised Shirley is a little bit overwhelmed by today
0:28:46 > 0:28:49'and although we still didn't manage to provide her any cake,
0:28:49 > 0:28:52'thanks to Grace and the team here, we did manage to show her
0:28:52 > 0:28:54'that there's a place for both her and Sylvia
0:28:54 > 0:28:58'where they're always welcome to meet new friends -
0:28:58 > 0:28:59'can't be bad.'
0:28:59 > 0:29:02- Bye.- Bye.- Bye, Shirley.
0:29:02 > 0:29:03Bye.
0:29:04 > 0:29:05Very nice people.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13Anti-social behaviour. Three little words
0:29:13 > 0:29:17that can mean a whole lot of trouble for tenants and housing officers.
0:29:17 > 0:29:21For tenants, it's no fun living next-door to noisy neighbours,
0:29:21 > 0:29:24overgrown gardens, or having a collection of refuse
0:29:24 > 0:29:27dumped unceremoniously on your doorstep,
0:29:27 > 0:29:32and for the housing officer, well, tackling anti-social behaviour
0:29:32 > 0:29:34can mean having to play the role
0:29:34 > 0:29:39of policeman, diplomat and counsellor all rolled into one.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44Last year, UK housing officers
0:29:44 > 0:29:49dealt with around 300,000 reported cases of anti-social behaviour
0:29:49 > 0:29:52at a cost of £300 million.
0:29:53 > 0:29:55But what happens when anti-social behaviour
0:29:55 > 0:29:58forces you to become a prisoner in your own home?
0:29:59 > 0:30:02In Newcastle, I'm with housing association officers
0:30:02 > 0:30:04Chris O'Neil and Gary Scurfield.
0:30:04 > 0:30:06We're on the way to meet tenants
0:30:06 > 0:30:07who've had to put up
0:30:07 > 0:30:08with years of abuse
0:30:08 > 0:30:11and threats of violence from a neighbour -
0:30:11 > 0:30:14a situation which has now reached crisis point.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19The perpetrator in this case, he's been given every opportunity.
0:30:19 > 0:30:23We, previously, instead of seeking possession of his property,
0:30:23 > 0:30:25we actually obtained an injunction against him through the court
0:30:25 > 0:30:27for his behaviour, so...
0:30:27 > 0:30:30We've had the injunction against him. He's actually...
0:30:30 > 0:30:32Behaviour stopped when the injunction was in place.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35As soon as it ended, it began again.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37So, now it's come to the point where we can't do anything else.
0:30:37 > 0:30:39That's it now, enough's enough.
0:30:42 > 0:30:46'The neighbour's four-year campaign of alcohol-fuelled harassment
0:30:46 > 0:30:48'has left tenant Paul and his friend Dawn
0:30:48 > 0:30:50'effectively trapped in the flat.'
0:30:50 > 0:30:53So, you've reached the end of your tether, have you?
0:30:53 > 0:30:57End of my tether. I've been telling them what's been happening.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00Lately, we've had to get the police out on several occasions.
0:31:00 > 0:31:04Been standing at the back of the property,
0:31:04 > 0:31:08trying to intimidate Dawn, trying to intimidate meself.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10- Threatened to poke Dawn's- BLEEP- eyes out.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12Cos she's going through the change of life...
0:31:12 > 0:31:15I'm going through the change, I've got to keep standing at the bathroom...
0:31:15 > 0:31:17She was coming to the bathroom window for air,
0:31:17 > 0:31:19and he got mortal drunk,
0:31:19 > 0:31:22and then he was just stumbling around the square.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25And then he pointed up to the window and he says,
0:31:25 > 0:31:28"If you stand there much longer,
0:31:28 > 0:31:30"I'm going to come over there and poke your eyes out."
0:31:30 > 0:31:32This is the most recent one, is it?
0:31:32 > 0:31:37Does it ever go beyond threats? Is any other action?
0:31:37 > 0:31:41You know, like damage, violence to people or to property.
0:31:41 > 0:31:45Or is it usually verbal and no more?
0:31:45 > 0:31:48Just verbal and threatening what he's going to do and what he's not going to do.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51But he's never actually carried any of his threats out.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54But it's getting to the point where I am frightened to go out.
0:31:56 > 0:32:00'All tenants have the right to feel safe and secure in their homes.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03'But, for Paul, the impact of this anti-social behaviour
0:32:03 > 0:32:06'could potentially be life-threatening.'
0:32:06 > 0:32:08Cos I suffer from anxiety and depression.
0:32:08 > 0:32:10And I have a medibox. I don't have much medication.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13I've got chronic heart disease and an enlarged heart.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17I just get stressed, and I can't be doing with him.
0:32:17 > 0:32:18I've had enough of him.
0:32:18 > 0:32:22Because we have got to sit here and just take his abuse.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25I mean, in a way, it's feels a bit like you are trapped in here.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27That's why I was starting to get sick of it
0:32:27 > 0:32:28and thinking about moving.
0:32:28 > 0:32:32'The situation is creating misery and fear.
0:32:32 > 0:32:33'Not just for Paul and Dawn -
0:32:33 > 0:32:37'now other tenants are demanding to be rehoused.
0:32:37 > 0:32:38'But Chris has some news.'
0:32:38 > 0:32:40An update of where we are at now.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43- I took the statement off you last time.- Aye.
0:32:43 > 0:32:45All the statements have been produced,
0:32:45 > 0:32:49and we have actually served notice on this individual
0:32:49 > 0:32:50to end his tenancy.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52All right. That notice has just expired.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54Following that, we have then applied to court.
0:32:54 > 0:32:56The court papers are in.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58All we are waiting for now is a date from the court
0:32:58 > 0:33:00to go for the full hearing to get possession.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02So, that's what we are applying for. For possession for the property.
0:33:02 > 0:33:04I know you were saying you were looking at moving.
0:33:04 > 0:33:06We hope, in a couple of weeks, you won't have to
0:33:06 > 0:33:08cos we are resolving that situation.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10- Oh, that would be great.- Yeah?
0:33:10 > 0:33:12'A possession order on the neighbour's flat
0:33:12 > 0:33:15'hopefully means the threats will disappear,
0:33:15 > 0:33:16'along with the troublesome tenant.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19'It sounds like it can't come a moment too soon
0:33:19 > 0:33:21'for Paul and Dawn.'
0:33:22 > 0:33:23He just comes to his window,
0:33:23 > 0:33:26lifts his net up and his window's wide open, shouting...
0:33:26 > 0:33:27- "I'm surrounded." - "I'm surrounded.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30"I've got a bomb. I'm going to blow yous all up.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33"Just watch, before I leave. I'm going to get yous.
0:33:33 > 0:33:34"I'll get yous."
0:33:34 > 0:33:37Once the problem of your neighbour is removed,
0:33:37 > 0:33:38are you happy to stay here?
0:33:38 > 0:33:42- In this tenancy, yeah? - Oh, aye. Yeah, yeah. Yeah.
0:33:42 > 0:33:44Right, we're moving forward.
0:33:44 > 0:33:46Obviously, you know, you know where we're at now.
0:33:46 > 0:33:48We're quite a way down the process
0:33:48 > 0:33:50to try and get things finalised for you to get, you know,
0:33:50 > 0:33:53the highest level of enforcement we can do, pretty much, in there.
0:33:53 > 0:33:58So if you feel threatened, make the police aware, as you do.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01Also, you know, housing issue, if you feel anything else,
0:34:01 > 0:34:03contact us, as well, and we'll pick up on that.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06Thanks for your time. We'll finalise it.
0:34:06 > 0:34:08I'll be in touch next week for some updates.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10When I get a relevant date back for the court,
0:34:10 > 0:34:12I'll let you know, all right?
0:34:12 > 0:34:15'The list of anti-social behaviour and intimidation
0:34:15 > 0:34:17'that Paul and Dawn have had to endure
0:34:17 > 0:34:19'is some of the worst I've come across
0:34:19 > 0:34:22'in my time working with housing officers.
0:34:22 > 0:34:24'I'm hoping that Chris and Gary's visit today
0:34:24 > 0:34:26'will put their minds at ease.'
0:34:28 > 0:34:30- What did you think of that? - I think it was good.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32I'm pleased there's action being taken.
0:34:32 > 0:34:33It's only taken 11 years,
0:34:33 > 0:34:35but at least they're getting somewhere now.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37You were about ready to move out yourself?
0:34:37 > 0:34:40Oh, aye. I was going to be off this afternoon
0:34:40 > 0:34:43to fill the forms in just to move out of here.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46I was seeking that out, because I am that sick of him.
0:34:46 > 0:34:50I'm depressed. I didn't want to see him.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53He was trying to get us to bite,
0:34:53 > 0:34:56and when we're not biting, he's getting more and more agitated.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59And the more he thinks he can shout abuse at me.
0:34:59 > 0:35:00And he thinks he gets away with it.
0:35:00 > 0:35:02I'm not letting him get away with nothing now.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05It's almost like he's declared war on everybody...
0:35:05 > 0:35:06- Everybody. - ..that's living here.
0:35:06 > 0:35:07It's not just you guys.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10And the constant abuse of alcohol.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12Seven days a week. Night and day.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14And smoking drugs on top of it.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17It's obviously doing something with your brain.
0:35:17 > 0:35:18And it's making him...
0:35:18 > 0:35:22He's getting more and more and more paranoid all the time.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25It seems bizarre, though, that this is one person
0:35:25 > 0:35:27- that's causing all this upset for... - Everybody.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29However many houses there are.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32So you are now looking at a situation where, hopefully,
0:35:32 > 0:35:35within a matter of weeks, he should be out.
0:35:35 > 0:35:38- Yeah.- Does that give you complete confidence?
0:35:38 > 0:35:40Are you happy with that?
0:35:40 > 0:35:43Once he's out... Once he's out of the square,
0:35:43 > 0:35:46and we don't see him on a day-to-day basis,
0:35:46 > 0:35:48then it's going to be a lot nicer and pleasanter,
0:35:48 > 0:35:49not just for us, but everyone.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52Well, listen, I hope it gets sorted out for you quickly
0:35:52 > 0:35:55and it's obviously had a big effect on you.
0:35:55 > 0:35:58But I hope it manages to get itself sorted out,
0:35:58 > 0:36:00and you can carry on living here.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05'It's been a tough day for Chris and Gary
0:36:05 > 0:36:09'and it's clearly been a long process for the housing association.
0:36:09 > 0:36:13'Despite working with the police to tackle the anti-social behaviour,
0:36:13 > 0:36:15'and offering support to the residents,
0:36:15 > 0:36:17'the stress for Paul and Dawn remains.'
0:36:19 > 0:36:22I mean, it felt like a sort of litany, didn't it,
0:36:22 > 0:36:26of events over the last 11 years for poor old Paul there.
0:36:26 > 0:36:29And it gave the picture that this is a guy
0:36:29 > 0:36:32who has basically declared war on the rest of the estate there.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34It certainly has been like that.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37There's, I would say, specifically, the last four years
0:36:37 > 0:36:39where there's been a lot of problems
0:36:39 > 0:36:44and we have tried to keep this individual in his property.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47In the end, it all seems to backfire and doesn't work.
0:36:47 > 0:36:48I suppose the acid test
0:36:48 > 0:36:51is when you're starting to get other people leaving
0:36:51 > 0:36:53and requesting to be re-homed.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56With all the effort that that takes, all the disruption to their lives,
0:36:56 > 0:36:59at some point, you've got to draw a line, haven't you?
0:36:59 > 0:37:01Paul himself was saying, you know, he would have been off
0:37:01 > 0:37:02if it had gone on any longer.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05So, you're disrupting a community there because of one.
0:37:05 > 0:37:06Because of one individual, yeah.
0:37:06 > 0:37:08And, you know, you've got to take into account
0:37:08 > 0:37:11everyone else's circumstances. their needs are more,
0:37:11 > 0:37:14compared to one person's actions and behaviour, haven't you?
0:37:14 > 0:37:16We've got to stop that. You know, can't go on any longer.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19We didn't manage to meet the gentleman himself,
0:37:19 > 0:37:20which would have been a rare pleasure(!)
0:37:20 > 0:37:23But, you know, maybe another time.
0:37:23 > 0:37:25And keep us posted on what happens, yeah?
0:37:25 > 0:37:27- Yeah, will do.- Good stuff. - Thank you.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31'Eviction is, of course, the last resort,
0:37:31 > 0:37:33'and it will be up to the court to decide, ultimately,
0:37:33 > 0:37:35'whether the tenant will be evicted.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37'But I hope, for the neighbours' sake,
0:37:37 > 0:37:38'something is done.'
0:37:40 > 0:37:43Well, that was a particularly difficult case
0:37:43 > 0:37:44for Gary and Chris to tackle.
0:37:44 > 0:37:48Fortunately, anti-social behaviour on that scale is rare.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51But effects on neighbouring residents can be severe.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54Isos is continuing to work alongside those tenants affected
0:37:54 > 0:37:58to help bring the situation to a satisfying conclusion
0:37:58 > 0:37:59for everyone concerned.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09In Stroud, tenant Jim is having to leave the flat
0:38:09 > 0:38:11that's been his home for 57 years
0:38:11 > 0:38:14and move into a two-bedroom bungalow.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17I never thought we'd ever move, but that's how it happens.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20Jim's been packing up more than just furniture.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23There's a lifetime of memories here, too.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26You think, "I've been here 57 years" -
0:38:26 > 0:38:27it's a long time, isn't it?
0:38:27 > 0:38:30It's housing officer Chris's job
0:38:30 > 0:38:32to ensure everything goes smoothly.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36The thing with Jim is that he's been a tenant with us
0:38:36 > 0:38:38for a long time, over 50 years.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41Since he was 11. And he...
0:38:42 > 0:38:44He needs to move because the Queen's Court
0:38:44 > 0:38:46is no longer economically viable,
0:38:46 > 0:38:49and also, it's not that accessible a building
0:38:49 > 0:38:52in terms of being away from amenities,
0:38:52 > 0:38:55and also, because he's on the first floor,
0:38:55 > 0:38:57it's not so easy with him with his bad knee.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00So, having a bungalow suits him really well.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03We do realise that people moving home is a stressful event.
0:39:03 > 0:39:05It's one thing when you choose to move home,
0:39:05 > 0:39:07but when you're being asked to move
0:39:07 > 0:39:09because the property is no longer suitable,
0:39:09 > 0:39:12then obviously it's a bigger thing for people.
0:39:12 > 0:39:16Jim has what is known as a secure tenancy
0:39:16 > 0:39:18and that guarantees him a home for life,
0:39:18 > 0:39:21as long as he doesn't break his tenancy rules.
0:39:21 > 0:39:24As it wasn't his choice to leave his former flat,
0:39:24 > 0:39:27Jim's has been offered a home loss payment of £5,000
0:39:27 > 0:39:30plus carpets, curtains and removal costs...
0:39:31 > 0:39:33Let's see if this is the key.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35..all of which should hopefully cushion the blow.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39So with everything he needs to make the move,
0:39:39 > 0:39:42it is time for Jim to open the door to his new life.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50First impressions, positive.
0:39:50 > 0:39:54It's great. That will be ideal, this one.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57Be nice when the carpets are all down tomorrow.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00It'll make a lot of difference, won't it?
0:40:00 > 0:40:04Yeah, I'm really pleased with it. It's very good.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08I didn't know they were going to put a new kitchen in.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10Over the moon with that, it's really great.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12Done a good job, actually.
0:40:12 > 0:40:13Really nice.
0:40:13 > 0:40:17It looks like Jim is keen to get settled in as soon as possible.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20I'm measuring for the cooker, actually,
0:40:20 > 0:40:22cos I had a gas cooker, which...
0:40:22 > 0:40:24I couldn't bring it.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27So I've ordered a new electric cooker,
0:40:27 > 0:40:29and it should definitely go in.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32There's more good news in the bathroom.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36This is what I wanted, was a wet room, to be quite honest.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39I didn't want a bath.
0:40:39 > 0:40:41This is great. It's ideal.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44Really good. Really quite pleased with that.
0:40:46 > 0:40:47With Jim settling in...
0:40:48 > 0:40:51..housing officer Chris wants to see how he's getting on.
0:40:51 > 0:40:53See who this is.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56- Hello, Jim. How are you? - I'm good, how are you?- Yeah, fine.
0:40:56 > 0:41:00I just wondered how you found it all, coming in?
0:41:00 > 0:41:01- Yeah.- I brought some...
0:41:01 > 0:41:03- That's the carpet? - Brought some carpet for you.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05- That's the hessian you picked.- Yeah.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08Just wondering how you're feeling about the whole thing, really.
0:41:08 > 0:41:09I think it's very good.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11They've done... The decorating's excellent.
0:41:11 > 0:41:14Yeah, we've decorated it all, haven't we? Which was nice.
0:41:14 > 0:41:16It was a little bit ropey when we first looked,
0:41:16 > 0:41:17so we've got that organised for you.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20This is a nice, big room, so it should fit all your furniture
0:41:20 > 0:41:22from your old place, which is great.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25I know some of those had sentimental value for you.
0:41:25 > 0:41:26Yeah, it was sentimental.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32The inside is looking good. What about the outside space?
0:41:32 > 0:41:35Yeah, so, Jim, this is your new back garden.
0:41:35 > 0:41:37We've already got some nice shrubs here, haven't we?
0:41:37 > 0:41:40You can hang your washing out up there, so you're all right.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42I can cut that. I can get a little mower.
0:41:42 > 0:41:46Just a little one. That's not going to take too long.
0:41:46 > 0:41:50I think this'll be nice. I mean, it's a nice, quiet area.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53Do you know this area? You knew this area anyway, didn't you?
0:41:53 > 0:41:54I know the woman up there.
0:41:54 > 0:41:56I think this is a really decent-sized bungalow.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58Be nice not having to walk up stairs.
0:41:58 > 0:42:00- Yeah, I think that'd be better for you, won't it?- Yeah.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03'We're really pleased, as a council,
0:42:03 > 0:42:06'that we've found a really nice bungalow for Jim.'
0:42:06 > 0:42:09Because he's been with us for over 50 years, been a very good tenant,
0:42:09 > 0:42:12always paid his rent, keeps the house immaculate,
0:42:12 > 0:42:14and that's really, really good.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17I'm really, really pleased that he's happy.
0:42:17 > 0:42:19Moving home is never easy,
0:42:19 > 0:42:21especially after having to say goodbye to a place
0:42:21 > 0:42:23with so many happy memories.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25Thanks to Chris and the council,
0:42:25 > 0:42:27this new place is hopefully the beginning
0:42:27 > 0:42:31of a new set of happy memories for Jim.
0:42:31 > 0:42:32Good luck, then, Jim, with the next steps.
0:42:32 > 0:42:34- Cheers.- All the best.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41Well, as we've just seen,
0:42:41 > 0:42:42being a housing officer
0:42:42 > 0:42:46means a daily dose of tough choices and difficult decisions.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49But it's all in a day's work for the men and women
0:42:49 > 0:42:53fighting to ensure we can enjoy a safe place to call home.
0:42:53 > 0:42:55That's it for today, but join me again next time
0:42:55 > 0:42:57where I'll be back on the front line
0:42:57 > 0:42:59with the housing enforcers.