Issue - meetings

To seek Cabinets approval for the adoption of the Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and Hate Crime Policy for the Housing Landlord Service (report of the Service Director - Housing enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Service Director – Housing which sought Cabinet approval for the adoption of the Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and Hate Crime Policy for the Housing Landlord Service.

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing introduced the report, which sought approval for the adoption of a new Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and Hate Crime Policy for the Housing Landlord Service.

Members were advised that the policy built upon the ASB Framework approved in July 2025 and responded to strengthened regulatory expectations, inspection findings and direct tenant feedback.

The Portfolio Holder highlighted the progress already made, including strengthened service delivery through clearer reporting routes, improved partnership working with the Police and Safer Communities teams, and the introduction of a dedicated ASB Lead Officer to support tenants.

The policy was reported to provide greater clarity and consistency through defined service standards, response times and a risk-based approach to case management. Members also noted that the policy had been shaped through tenant focus groups, surveys and the Tenant Influence Panel, ensuring enhanced tenant involvement, clearer communication and greater transparency.

The policy was described as providing a more consistent, accountable and compassionate approach, balancing enforcement with early intervention and support.

In discussing the report, Members welcomed the proposals and commented that the return of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and their local knowledge would further strengthen efforts to address anti-social behaviour, although this fell outside the remit of the Committee.

A further comment was made regarding the use of fridge magnets as a means of communicating service information to tenants, which was noted positively as an effective and popular method of engagement.

Members welcomed the report and recognised the introduction of a dedicated point of contact for tenants as a particularly positive development.

It was noted that this was an area previously identified by the Regulator and that the proposed arrangements represented a significant improvement in the service provided to tenants.

DECISION:

1.     That Cabinet adopts the Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and Hate Crime Policy for the Housing Landlord Service.

2.     That Cabinet delegates minor operational amendments and/or legislative changes to the Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and Hate Crime Policy to the Service Director for Housing in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing

(Other options considered:

·       Do Nothing - The Council could have chosen to retain the existing ASB and Hate Crime arrangements without introducing a new Policy. However, this option was discounted as it would not meet strengthened regulatory requirements under the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, nor address findings from the 2025 regulatory inspection, tenant feedback or an action in the ASB Framework 2025.

Reasons for decision:

·       The updated Policy reflects both strengthened regulatory requirements and tenants’ aspirations for an improved service.

·       Adoption demonstrates the Council’s commitment to responding to ASB, listening and acting on tenant feedback, and contributing to safer communities.)

To consider the Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and Hate Crime Policy for the Housing Landlord Service (report of the Assistant Director – Housing enclosed)

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Housing, which asked the members to consider the Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and Hate Crime Policy for the Housing Landlord Service.

The Change and Improvement Manager (HRA) presented the report which provided an update on the ASB Framework that was adopted in July 2025.

Members considered the report and made the following comments:

• Members asked how frequently the Anti-Social Behaviour and Hate Crime Policy would be applied in practice and how many reports were received by the Council.
  • The Change and Improvement Manager (HRA) advised that, between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026, 117 cases had been reported which met the relevant thresholds, excluding reports that were assessed as not constituting ASB or hate crime.

• Members queried the scope of the policy and asked how many properties were managed by the Council on behalf of other landlords.
  • The Change and Improvement Manager (HRA) advised that this information was not available at the meeting but undertook to provide the details to Members outside of the meeting.

• Members sought clarification on the meaning of ‘reasonable hours’ referenced within the list of behaviours not classified as anti-social behaviour, particularly in relation to noise from children.
  • The Change and Improvement Manager (HRA) acknowledged that interpretations could vary depending on individual circumstances and advised that further clarification and examples could be included within the policy, reflecting feedback received from tenants.

• Members commented on the ordering of the appendices and suggested that placing the summary of amendments before the policy itself would improve readability.
  • The Change and Improvement Manager (HRA) acknowledged the suggestion and noted it for future reports.

• Members asked about the proposal to introduce A5 fridge magnets containing key service contacts, noting that many households now had integrated appliances.
  • The Change and Improvement Manager (HRA) explained that this suggestion had come from tenant feedback and confirmed that existing repair-service magnets were already distributed. It was advised that alternative formats would be explored with tenants to ensure accessibility.

• Members queried whether the section on reporting domestic abuse should include explicit reference to reporting incidents directly to the police.
  • The Change and Improvement Manager (HRA) responded that:
    • Tenants could choose to report ASB to the police and that safeguarding referrals would be made where appropriate; however, it was noted that overt reference to the police could deter reporting; and
  • Best practice across landlord policies would be reviewed to determine whether amendments were required.

• Members suggested that responsible domestic fires should be included within the list of behaviours not classed as anti-social behaviour, with a link to existing fire safety guidance.
  • The Change and Improvement Manager (HRA) confirmed that this issue had also been raised by tenants and agreed that the policy could be updated accordingly.

• Members asked whether clearer links could be provided to the Tenancy Management Policy in relation to follow-up timescales set out within the ASB policy.
  • The Change and Improvement Manager (HRA) agreed that adding a link to the Tenancy Management Policy  ...  view the full minutes text for item 93