Agenda item

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 relating to waste were captured within the ‘garden-related issues’ data;
    • Officers worked with Housing colleagues who led on conversations with tenants regarding expected behaviour; and
    • Officers also worked closely with the Environmental Services team regarding waste issues.

• Members queried whether the framework was accessible to private landlords.
  • The Housing Services Manager responded that the framework mainly applied to SHDC tenants and properties however conversations beyond this may take place, such as where issues which affected ongoing cases became apparent.
  • The Assistant Director - Housing added the following context:
    • Officers would not be aware of every issue such as those reported directly to the press;
    • There was a disconnect between the public perception of the powers that landlords had to deal with issues and the behaviour displayed when action was taken;
    • Whilst the council had utilised its powers, a preventative education approach incorporating lower-level interventions could negate the need for high profile action, such as eviction;
    • The rural and aging housing stock and demographic posed specific challenges in respect of ASB which the framework would help to support; and
    • The introduction of a framework enabled a developmental approach to be taken prior to the instigation of a policy.

• Members referred to the ‘We will’ list on page 71 of the agenda pack and suggested this include that ‘all parties were aware of the procedures and SHDC’s powers. Members would also appreciate information and expectations regarding ASB procedures.
  • The Housing Services Manager responded that the suggestions would be taken forward as actions.

• Members queried whether the ‘Good Neighbour’ guides would be given to all new and existing tenants.
  • The Housing Services Manager responded that:
    • Standard practice was followed and guides were issued at the point of need when an ASB case was raised;
    • An ASB toolkit, with guides and video would be publicly available on the council website;
    • A link to the ASB toolkit would be included in the ‘how to rent guide’; and
    • Engagement with residents would take place to ascertain views regarding when they may receive the guide.

• Members queried when the Tenant Satisfaction Measure data would be available to members.
  • The Assistant Director - Housing responded that the report was due to be presented to the Performance Monitoring Panel on 20 May 2025, ahead of the submission deadline to the regulator of the end of June and would subsequently be available on the website.

AGREED:

1)     That after consideration by the Policy Development Panel,  the ASB Framework be recommended to Cabinet for adoption subject to consultation with tenants; and

2)    That the recommendation to Cabinet to delegate minor and operational amendments to the Framework, to the Assistant Director – Housing, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing, be supported.