Agenda item

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 would provide helpful context and confirmed this would be included.

• Members queried whether the ‘key facts’ summary and proposed video version of the policy would be shared with Members before publication.
  • The Change and Improvement Manager (HRA) advised that these materials would not normally return to the Panel but confirmed that they would be circulated to Members once finalised and published.

AGREED:

1)    That Tenant feedback on the Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and Hate Crime Policy for the Housing Landlord Service be noted.

2)    That following the noting of feedback from the Policy Development Panel on the Anti-Social (ASB) Behaviour and Hate Crime Policy for the Housing Landlord Service, the policy be recommended to Cabinet for adoption.

3)    That the recommendation to delegate minor operational amendments or legislative changes to the Assistant Director - Housing in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing, be supported.