NEW legislation to tackle unruly tenants by docking their benefits could make matters worse, according to Burnley MP Peter Pike.

The first Anti-Social Behaviour Orders in Lancashire were issued against residents living on the Brunshaw Estate in 2002.

The orders were issued as a way of keeping in check residents guilty of troublesome behaviour.

The Government is considering the move and has sent a document out to consultation.

The move follows the introduction of a private members bill by former welfare minister, Frank Field.

Government ministers are contemplating two options on dealing with unruly tenants.

The first would see benefits cut for anyone found guilty in court of anti-social behaviour.

The second proposal involves local anti-social behaviour coordinators would have the power to dock benefit without going to court.

Mr Pike said: "I have mixed feelings about this. We do have serious problems with unruly tenants but I am not sure that cutting benefits is the answer, especially where you have families with children and people who are already in poverty.

"I am not convinced that cutting benefits will solve the problem, rather than make it worse.

"Having said that there are some families whose behaviour is appalling and people do have the right to live in peace without harassment and nuisance from unruly neighbours."

Burnley & Padiham Community Housing's chief executive, Tim Pinder, said: "I welcome initiatives to help us as a landlord take quicker and more effective action against tenants committing anti social behaviour, however I think that this is really a gimmick, with potentially serious unintended consequences.

"If a tenant has their housing benefit deducted, it simply means that they cannot pay their rent, they go into rent arrears, depriving us, their landlord of our much needed income to pay for staff to help tackle anti social behaviour.

"If the rent arrears were not cleared, we would take them to court to evict them. This seems rather cumbersome when what is needed to make a real difference is shorter waits for court hearings and tougher decisions from the courts, when we apply for evictions due to Anti Social Behaviour."