Decision details

The report of the Director of Central Services and Deputy Chief Executive considered how the Borough Council and its housing association partners worked together to address anti-social behaviour.  In addition, the actions that could be taken against residents who caused anti-social behaviour were identified. Members also considered whether any improvements to the service were required.

Reference was made to Community Protection Notices issued by local authorities and the police to individuals (over 16) or businesses to address a wide range of problems such as littering and noise nuisance. Breaches of these Notices was a criminal offence and a Fixed Penalty Notice could be issued.  At present, housing associations were not designated by the Borough Council as being authorised to issue Community Protection Notices.

Members expressed concern about the ability of housing associations to address anti-social behaviour, the perception of tenants that housing associations were unsympathetic to victims of anti-social behaviour, the requirement for victims of anti-social behaviour to provide evidence without the support of housing associations and whether housing associations  would issue Community Protection Orders in a timely manner if they were authorised to do so.  However, it was noted that the use of Community Protection Orders had the potential to assist housing associations and there would be further discussion with relevant organisations on the usefulness of this tool.

The value of CCTV in securing evidence of anti-social behaviour was recognised and Members hoped that opportunities for mobile cameras would continue to be explored.

Members supported the greater sharing of information between the Borough Council and housing associations and welcomed the continuation of monthly meetings to achieve this.

Finally, further information was provided on the Community Trigger which was an additional tool designed to give victims of anti-social behaviour the right to request a review of their case and bring agencies together to take a joined up problem solving approach.

RECOMMENDED:  That

(1)             the Borough Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Officer set up monthly meetings with housing associations to discuss cases and agree actions;

(2)             in consultation with Housing Associations, consideration be given as to whether Housing Associations should be authorised by the Borough Council to issue Community Protection Notices and a further report providing an update presented to a future meeting of the Communities and Environment Scrutiny Select Committee.

*Decision taken by Cabinet Member