Agenda item

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 their landlord’s performance in managing their homes and neighbourhoods.)