Radical changes are being proposed to the way 600,000 houses in the social rented sector are allocated and managed.

These changes would particularly affect the 128,000 households on social housing lists.

Councils and housing associations would be given greater flexibility over housing allocations, to consider any property applicants’ own as well as their income so that social housing goes to those who need it most.

Proposals published today would also give councils and housing associations more tools to tackle antisocial behaviour.

The measures would allow previous antisocial behaviour to be taken into account in the allocation of housing and antisocial tenants losing their tenancy rights.

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The consultation also asks whether and how the process for evicting the worst offenders should be simplified.

In response to calls for change, proposals would also result in all new social tenants getting a probationary tenancy for a year before a full Scottish Secure Tenancy is given.

Keith Brown said: "Landlords and tenants lobbied hard for changes to the way affordable rented housing is allocated and managed.

"We have listened and these proposed changes reflect, I believe, the views we have picked up from organisations and individuals the length and breadth of Scotland.

"Antisocial behaviour has a serious impact on individuals and communities. Feedback suggests that even low-level, persistent antisocial behaviour can harm communities.

"The measures we are introducing will also help good tenants who currently feel powerless to deal with bad neighbours, who make their lives a living hell."

Homes Fit for the 21st Century The Scottish Government’s Strategy and Action Plan for Housing for the Next Decade: 2011-2020, committed to consulting on changes to give local authorities and housing associations greater flexibility in how they allocate and manage their affordable rented housing.

Statistics from the Scottish Housing Regulator show that housing associations recorded around 24,000 complaints about antisocial behaviour in 2009-10.

(GK)