Issue - meetings

To adopt the ASB Framework 2025-2027 (Appendix A) (report of the Assistant Director – Housing enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director Housing which requested adoption of the ASB Framework 2025-2027 (Appendix A).

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing presented the report, and clarified that the report related to the management of ASB cases by the Housing Landlord Service only.

As a social landlord, the Council had a duty to minimise and tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) and hate incidents.  The ASB Framework 2025–2027 laid out a clear strategy regarding improving management of ASB cases by the Housing Landlord Service through early intervention, support for victims, and appropriate enforcement.

The framework was built on four priorities:

1. Prevention and Early Intervention

2.  Working Together

3. Risk Management and Victim Support

4. Putting Tenants First

Consultation had taken place with the Policy Development Panel and tenants, with 91% of tenants reporting that they found the framework easy to understand.  The Framework would be supported by a comprehensive action plan delivered by a newly appointed ASB Officer and quarterly updates would be published with tenants and members. 

Consideration was given to the report and the following issues were raised:

·       The report stated that 51% of incidents were not reported and there was therefore a lot of work to do to encourage people to come forward.  Ease of reporting was vital.

o   The Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing agreed and commented that it was important to use tenant engagement to identify ways of reaching people.  The message that the Authority was open to complaints around ASB was being communicated and this had already made a difference.  It was important that one an issue was raised, that individuals were heard.

·       Education was the hardest element and the officers agreed that it was key.  ASB was a complicated area and it was important to use tenant engagement to speak with tenants and to understand their views.  It was important to educate communities, staff and tenants as tolerances were not always the same.

DECISION:

1)    That the ASB Framework 2025-2027 be adopted; and

2)    That minor operational amendments to the Anti-Social Behaviour Framework 2025-2027 be delegated to the Assistant Director – Housing in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing.

(Other options considered:

·       Do nothing.  The Council would be unable to demonstrate compliance with the Neighbourhood and Community Standard of the Consumer Standards set by the Regulator of Social Housing. Without an adopted ASB Framework, the Council would lack a clear, strategic approach to preventing and tackling anti-social behaviour and hate incidents.  This would limit its ability to work effectively with partners, support victims, and provide assurance to tenants and regulators.  This was not the recommended option.

Reasons for decision:

·       To be compliant with the requirements of the Regulator of Social Housing in clearly setting out the approach for how the Council tackles and deters ASB and hate incidents in neighbourhoods where they manage social housing.  In addition, Registered Providers must collect and provide information to support effective scrutiny by tenants of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21

To propose a new ASB Framework to support the management of anti-social behaviour and hate crimes within the Housing Landlord service (report of the Assistant Director – Housing enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Housing which proposed a new ASB Framework to support the management of anti-social behaviour and hate crimes within the Housing Landlord Service.

The Housing Services Manager and the Assistant Director - Housing attended for this item.

The Housing Services Manager introduced the report which included the following areas of information:

• Background to the report;
• ASB performance during 2024;
• Effective partnership working; and
• Framework priorities.

Members considered the report and made the following comments:

• Members queried the number of ASB cases that had been resolved and whether the council was supported by the police in such matters.
  • The Housing Services Manager responded that:
    • 96 individual cases had been reported and resolved during 2024;
    • Two cases were currently open, of which one was complex in nature and therefore taking longer to resolve; and
    • The council was supported by the police and worked with the police officer assigned to the relevant patch.

• Where tenants were to be transferred from an external local authority housing scheme, were prior enquiries made in respect of ASB incidents?  What steps would be taken where issues had become apparent.
  • The Housing Services Manager responded that:
    • References were sought from previous landlords however a review of the process would be undertaken;
    • Any issues that became apparent would be assessed and dealt with on a case-by-case basis. A relocation could be a positive step for a tenant previously involved in an ASB case; and
    • Where SHDC housing could not be offered, the applicant would be informed of the reasons for the decision.

• Members queried whether a shorter initial tenancy could be offered and when additional rights came into effect.
  • The Housing Services Manager responded that:
    • The 12-month introductory tenancy term was fixed by legislation;
    • Additional rights of a secure tenancy generally came into effect after the initial 12-month term however this could be extended by a further 6 months; and
    • The determination of perpetrator and victim could be difficult, and the council needed to remain impartial to support both parties and assess required action.

• Members queried the support offered to individuals who were reluctant/afraid to report ASB due to potential intimidation.
  • The Housing Services Manager responded that:
    • The framework offered support so that the public felt safe to make ASB reports without consequences;
    • Reports to the council were anonymous and subject to data protection legislation; and
    • Some cases resulted in a legal process which required the reporter to act as a witness. In such cases support would be provided by SHDC and other professional bodies.

• Members had expected the number of ‘drug-related issues’ to be higher than 10 and queried whether many were going unreported.
  • The Housing Services Manager responded that the data applied solely to council tenants, and it was anticipated that the framework would increase the gathering of data in order to provide a better service.

• Members queried whether early presentation of waste was captured within the ASB data.
  • The Housing Services Manager responded that:
    • ASB reports  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9