Member

We heard from the noble Lord, Lord Hacking, on Amendment 237, which also warrants attention. Anti-social behaviour is a scourge in many communities, and the impact on housing is particularly damaging. It can replace community spirit with fear and tension, leaving residents feeling trapped and helpless. Anti-social behaviour strips away the very essence of what makes a house a home. To assess amendments such as those in the names of the noble Baroness, Lady Thornhill, and the noble Lord, Lord Hacking, we need to understand how the Government intend to use the database. As the Bill stands, that remains unclear. It is difficult to assess these proposals without a clear picture of the database’s purpose and future functionality. As I have said previously, the Government’s plans for the database should, we believe, be clearer. It should not be introduced quietly at a later date, through regulations.