London borough serves first eviction notice over riots

A London borough has launched eviction proceedings against a council tenant whose son has been charged in connection with last week’s riots even though he has not been convicted.

Wandsworth Council is believed to be the first in the country to serve an eviction notice over the disturbances.

A spokesman said both eviction and court proceedings over the riot were lengthy processes and it had acted “because we want to get them running in tandem”, with charges of burglary and violent disorder.

He said the eviction would be dropped were there no conviction.

Wandsworth said neither the person charged nor his mother, who is the tenant, could be named for legal reasons.

Council leader Ravi Govindia said: “In Wandsworth we are determined to take the strongest possible action against any tenant or member of their household responsible for the truly shocking behaviour perpetrated on local homes and businesses earlier this week.

“This council will do its utmost to ensure that those who are responsible pay a proper price for their conduct. Ultimately this could lead to eviction from their homes.”

Council officers would help the courts to establish the identities of other council tenants or household members as cases were processed.

Mark Smulian