PUTTING all new council house tenants in Hyndburn "on probation" for 12 months could increase the eviction rate for rent arrears.

The introductory tenancy regime is primarily aimed at making it easier for councils to take eviction action against anti-social tenants.

If adopted, however, it must apply to all new tenants and any breaches of tenancy, not just anti-social behaviour.

Head of housing Gwyneth Sarkar told councillors the scheme would have major implications on the way rent arrears recovery was carried out.

If the council went to court for non-payment of rent, or for any other reason, and the internal review procedures had been correctly followed, the court would be obliged to grant possession. Mrs Sarkar said: "Councillors should be aware that this could lead to an increase in the eviction rate."

The housing services committee asked officers to produce a more detailed report before making any decision.

Council leader George Slynn said: "It's not quite as straightforward as it appears. There are problems as well as advantages."

Councillors want to draw on the experiences of other authorities who have "tested the water" before making a judgement on the scheme.

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