Housing association planning to take action against tenants involved in Sunderland disorder
Gentoo Group provides homes for more than 60,000 people in Sunderland and has a range of existing policies and procedures around anti-social behaviour and communities
by Chris Binding · ChronicleLiveSunderland's largest housing association, Gentoo Group, is considering taking formal action against any tenants found guilty of participating in the city's violent disorder back in August 2024.
Gentoo, which provides homes to over 60,000 residents, already has policies and procedures in place to tackle anti-social behaviour within communities.
The disorder on August 2, 2024, resulted in clashes between demonstrators and police, damage to local businesses, and a mosque being targeted. Following these events, numerous individuals have been arrested and charged with various offences, with several cases currently progressing through the courts.
In recent presentations to Sunderland City Council's area committees, Gentoo disclosed its collaboration with Northumbria Police to "review any Gentoo customer convicted of associated crime" related to the unrest.
Their goal is to determine whether they can pursue legal action under the terms of the offenders' tenancy agreements.
During the East Sunderland Area Committee meeting last month, which represents the central area affected by the violence, councillors were informed that Gentoo would "take appropriate action" against convicted tenants.
Potential measures include issuing formal warnings or even reclaiming properties through court proceedings for "serious crime where they have been convicted and jailed".
Steven Gordon, the head of neighbourhoods at Gentoo, has stated that existing legal processes and actions around tenancies are in place. He emphasised that following the disorder in Sunderland, courts and police were eager to act, and Gentoo was aligning with this approach, aiming to be fair to the entire community.
During a council meeting, some councillors expressed concerns about Gentoo's planned formal action and potential implications for families. Councillor Michael Dixon questioned if it was the best course of action, suggesting discussions with prison authorities to assess whether offenders had reformed.
Councillor Allen Curtis voiced his apprehension about Gentoo potentially persecuting individuals who have already served their sentences. He also raised concerns about the pressure Gentoo's stance could put on the city's homelessness services in terms of responsibilities and costs.
Mr Gordon from Gentoo assured that each case would be considered individually, with reclaiming property being the last resort. He added that the housing association was awaiting conviction data from the police before taking any action, expecting this information by year-end.
These comments were made during the East Sunderland Area Committee meeting held at City Hall on September 17, 2024.
Northumbria Police's neighbourhood inspector, Jamie Southwell, shared data at a recent meeting concerning the city centre disorder that took place on Friday, August 2, 2024. The snapshot of police data from mid-September 2024 revealed dozens of arrests, eight individuals charged or remanded in custody, and another 13 charged and awaiting sentence.
Additionally, 23 people were arrested and released on police bail.
Inspector Southwell mentioned that there are still 40 individuals who the police are attempting to identify from CCTV footage, with "thousands of hours of footage" yet to be examined where they expect to identify more offenders.
Gentoo's proposed formal action against those involved in the violent disorder has been praised by some, including councillor Kevin Johnston, Sunderland City Council's cabinet member for housing, regeneration and business. Speaking at the Coalfield Area Committee on September 4, 2024, following a presentation from Gentoo's head of neighbourhoods Steven Gordon, Councillor Johnston applauded Gentoo's approach to the riots.
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"I hope more partners, in particular businesses across the city, will be taking a similar stance," added Councillor Johnston.
In a statement, Gentoo said that cases involving customers found to be participating in anti-social behaviour or convicted of criminal wrongdoing would be considered "on an individual basis".
The housing association stated that "if it is established that a customer is in breach of their tenancy agreement, appropriate action will then be taken".
It's understood that the majority of those involved in Sunderland's violent disorder are male, but it remains unclear how many are tenants of Gentoo properties.
Gentoo also conducts various checks on prospective tenants, and any issues that arise during this process, such as a criminal conviction, could result in housing offers being suspended.
In a statement, Gentoo said: "At Gentoo, we strongly believe that our customers deserve the right to be able to feel safe in their homes and communities, regardless of their ethnicity or religious beliefs."
"Playing our part in helping to achieve this is a responsibility Gentoo takes very seriously."
"We have formed strong working relationships with partners across the city, including Northumbria Police and Sunderland City Council, working together to tackle criminal and anti-social behaviour where it arises and impacts negatively upon our communities."
"Gentoo has dedicated colleagues who are always ready to help and provide support to those who are affected by such activity and are committed to working on social cohesion."
"Where our customers are found to be involved in anti-social behaviour or convicted of criminal wrongdoing, cases will be looked at on an individual basis."
"If it is established that a customer is in breach of their tenancy agreement, appropriate action will then be taken."
"Depending on the nature of the case, the response may involve a formal warning through to, in the most serious cases where a customer has received a lengthy custodial sentence, Gentoo seeking possession of the property through the county court."
"We work closely with the council on its strategy to tackle homelessness in Sunderland and we fully understand the housing challenges facing the city."
"A key objective is to constantly review our housing stock and seeking ways to improve and extend the provision."
"Gentoo is proud to be a values-led organisation committed to providing the best services to our customers and helping to promote Sunderland as an inclusive and welcoming city."
"This includes Gentoo acting as a responsible landlord and taking necessary measures where the safety and cohesion of our communities is threatened".