STROUD DC
ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR POLICY
1
Version 1 - 260810
PART 1
POLICY BACKGROUND & COVERAGE
Introduction
1.1
The Council aims to ensure that tenants and leaseholders live peacefully in their own
homes and communities. We recognise that failure to tackle anti-social behaviour
effectively could substantially blight the quality of life for those people living with antisocial behaviour and can also damage our ability to develop sustainable
communities.
1.2
We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour in our homes or on our estates. The key
objective of our Anti-Social Behaviour Policy is to try to change behaviour using a
variety of approaches and interventions. However, we will take a tough stance when
perpetrators refuse to mend their ways. We have no hesitation in using all the powers
available to us to take action against perpetrators.
1.3
This policy details the Council’s policies in respect of:
 addressing anti-social behaviour and other forms of behaviour that constitute a
breach of the conditions of tenancy
 addressing domestic abuse
 addressing hate crime
1.4
All policies have been developed jointly by councillors, tenants and members of staff.
Key Principles of the Anti Social Behaviour Policy
2.1
The key principles of the Anti Social Behaviour Policy are to:






2.2
to ensure that tenants are aware of what behaviours are acceptable and
unacceptable, how to make a complaint, and the action we will take
to investigate complaints of anti-social behaviour, and to take appropriate action
against perpetrators whether they are tenants, their families, friends or visitors
to recognise that some individuals and/or families may need support to help them
to work with us to change their behaviour so that it becomes acceptable
to provide as much support as possible to victims/witnesses
to take timely and appropriate action to address anti social behaviour, in
partnership with other agencies where this appropriate
to routinely monitor the views of tenants who have received the service we
provide, seeking their views on how well we have responded and how we could
improve.
The Strategic Head of Tenancy Services will be responsible for the overall
implementation of Anti Social Behaviour Policy.
Relevant legislation and regulatory compliance
3.1
The Council will ensure that it addresses anti social behaviour in accordance with
best practice and relevant policy and legislation, including the following:


Environmental Protection Act 1990
Statutory Nuisance Act 1993
2
Version 1 - 260810









The Human Rights Act 1998
Data Protection Act 1998
Housing Act 1985 as amended
Housing Act 1996
Housing and Regeneration Act 2008
The Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003
The Crime and isorder Act 1998
Equalities Act 2010
Disability Discrimination Act 2005
3
Version 1 - 260810
PART 2
ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR POLICY
Introduction
1.1
The Council recognises that it has a duty to our tenants and other residents in the
locality to deal with matters of nuisance and anti-social behaviour. Failure to act
impacts not only on residents’ lives but also on the quality of our homes and estates.
1.2
We are responsible for ensuring that we act as a responsible landlord and meet our
statutory obligations as well as enforcing good behaviour standards through the
implementation of our anti social behaviour policy.
1.3
As a landlord we make it clear to our tenants that we will not tolerate anti-social
behaviour in any form. We do this when granting new tenancies by explaining to the
tenant what is expected of them in terms of behaviour and by stressing what the
consequences can be for them if they breach their tenancy agreement. Existing
tenants will be reminded from time to time through the Tenants Newsletter.
Definition of Anti Social Behaviour
2.1
We define anti-social behaviour as conduct which:



is capable of causing nuisance or annoyance to any person, including criminal
damage to property, harassment, racial harassment and violence (including
racial motivated violence)
and
directly or indirectly relates to or affects our housing management functions
or
involves using or threatening to use housing accommodation owned or managed
by ourselves for an unlawful purpose.
2.2
Anti social behaviour can include a wide range of behaviours that can affect the lives
of other people. A standard approach to all incidents of anti social behaviour is not
the most appropriate response and we have placed common anti social behaviour
incidents into one of two categories, serious or minor.
2.3
We define the following behaviours as serious forms of anti social behaviour:
domestic abuse, hate crime (this includes racially motivated harassment and
violence), sexual harassment, violence or the threat of violence, suspected drug
using/dealing, verbal abuse, alcohol or drug related nuisance, using, owning or
storing offensive weapons, intimidation, incitement, theft, criminal damage, noise
nuisance involving the repeated playing of loud music, child neglect
2.4
We define the following behaviours as minor forms of anti social behaviour:
graffiti and other forms of vandalism, parking disputes, begging, vandalism,
abandoning vehicles on our estates, boundary and hedge disputes, animal
nuisance (dog barking, dog fouling, pets out of control), door slamming, the
dumping of rubbish, littering, spitting and urinating in communal areas in block of
flats, playing ball games close to someone’s property (that is causing a nuisance),
4
Version 1 - 260810
skate boarding or cycling on footpaths or balconies, damaging property, throwing
things out of windows, allowing others through communal entrances, shouting or
swearing
2.5
All incidents of anti social behaviour reported to us will be categorised as either
serious or minor. We will adopt different service standards for dealing with serious
and minor forms of anti social behaviour.
Reporting anti social behaviour
3.1
Victims and witnesses to acts of anti social behaviour committed on our estates can
report it to us:



in person at our Ebley Mill office
in person by speaking to a member of staff over the telephone
in writing by:
o letter
o e-mail
o fax
o sms (text) message
3.2
When a complaint of anti-social behaviour is made we will make every effort to
contact the complainant to discuss the case further. We will also contact them
through various stages of the investigation to update them on the situation. If the
complainant does not keep in contact with us, we will not assume that the nuisance
has been resolved. We will try to make contact with them before deciding to close the
case.
3.3
Where we have made several attempts to contact complainants by telephone, letter
or home visit and we have not been successful in making contact with them, we will
close the case.
Our approach to addressing anti social behaviour
4.1
Our approach to addressing anti-social behaviour is based on:
 implementing a range of preventative measures to reduce the incidence and
minimise impact of anti-social behaviour on our estates
 supporting the victims/witnesses of anti-social behaviour, and ensuring the
provision of support services to vulnerable tenants to prevent them from
becoming perpetrators
 taking timely and appropriate action to address effectively incidents of anti-social
behaviour.
4.2
Our approach is underpinned by our commitment to partnership working. We will
work to contribute to the Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnership’s efforts to monitor
the occurrence of crime and disorder, and work with a range of partners to reduce its
incidence and impact on our housing estates. We will work closely with other parts of
the Council and other agencies to effectively tackle anti-social behaviour.
4.3
We will participate in the following multi agency fora to effectively tackle anti social
behaviour:
5
Version 1 - 260810






the Cotswolds & Stroud Stronger Safer Community Partnership
the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership Board
the Stroud Anti Social Behaviour Order Group
the Safer Estates Steering Group
the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC)
the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA)
4.4
We will work with the following partners to effectively address anti social behaviour 1:
 Gloucestershire Constabulary
 Health Services (including Community Mental Health Teams and Substance
Misuse Services)
 Gloucestershire County Council, including:
o the Youth Offending Team, particularly in relation to the Prolific and Other
Priority Offenders scheme (POPOS)
o the Supporting People Team, via the referral of vulnerable people to the
Team
o the Children and Young People’s Directorate
o Community Adult Care Directorate
 Stroud District Council’s Environmental Health Service to ensure the
implementation of corporate policies on nuisance on housing land (including
noise nuisance)
 Support providers
 Housing Associations
4.5
We will share appropriate and relevant information with our partners, in line with
information sharing protocols and the Date Protection Act 1998 and the Crime and
Disorder Act 1998.
Action to prevent anti-social behaviour
5.1
We will give residents information and advice to enable them to resolve problems of
anti-social behaviour themselves, where this is possible.
5.2
We will work closely with key partners and residents to prevent the incidence of antisocial behaviour, specifically around issues such as children’s play areas, the
dumping of rubbish and issues of defensible space.
5.3
We will work with a range of partners, including tenant groups, to develop initiatives
that divert young people from acting anti-socially. We will investigate and work in
partnership with a range of agencies to establish projects that:


5.4
reward young people for positive behaviour in their communities
address inter-generational conflict.
We will support tenant groups who wish to develop diversionary activities for young
people by sign-posting them to possible sources of funding, and by providing small
amounts of funding to kick-start community-led diversionary activities.
1
This list of partners is not exhaustive and we will work with a range of other partners as the need
arises.
6
Version 1 - 260810
5.5
We will allocate a small budget to enable us to fund minor works that seek to prevent
or to reduce the impact of anti-social behaviour on our housing estates.
Support
6.1
We will support tenants by providing them with information about our policies and
procedures in relation to anti-social behaviour, in particular, information on:
 what anti-social behaviour is
 how residents can report it
 what actions we will take
 the timescale we will take action in
 what victims and witnesses can expect from us.
This information will be published on our website and our Tenants’ Handbook.
6.2
We will support victims and witnesses by:
 listening to them and taking action quickly
 providing additional security measures at their homes where necessary (such as
strengthened locks, personal alarms, security cameras etc.)
 providing them where necessary with alternative accommodation, where they feel
that they cannot return to their home because of the threat of violence
 keeping them informed of the action that we are taking throughout the lifetime of
their complaint
 providing them with reassurance that their complaint is confidential and that we
will seek their consent to share any information they have provided with third
parties
 referring them to agencies who can provide them with support and advice
 consulting them, where appropriate, on the action we will take.
6.3
Where the anti social behaviour can only be remedied through court action, we will
do everything we can to ensure that witness’s feel supported throughout the process.
This will involve explaining to the witness what to expect at the hearing and to offer to
transport them to and from the hearing.
6.4
We aim to tackle the causes of anti-social behaviour in our communities by
challenging behaviour and providing remedies to resolve the behaviour. We
recognise the importance of giving perpetrators the opportunity to modify their
behaviour and make positive changes.
6.5
In the majority of cases we will work with perpetrators to resolve the anti-social
behaviour and we will take into account any underlying factors that may be causing
the behaviour, for example:





6.6
family or relationship breakdown
mental health
substance misuse
learning disabilities
clash of life styles
Where we feel it is appropriate, and with their consent, we will refer perpetrators of
anti-social behaviour to the Supporting People Team for assessment, prior to taking
formal action.
7
Version 1 - 260810
6.7
We will work with key partners to ensure that vulnerable people at risk of perpetrating
anti-social behaviour are provided with support.
Timely and appropriate action
7.1
We will respond to all complaints of anti social behaviour promptly.
7.2
In cases we categorise as serious anti social behaviour we will make contact with the
victim/witness within 1 working day of the receipt of their complaint.
7.3
In cases we categorise as minor anti social behaviour we will contact the
victim/witness within 5 working days of the receipt of their complaint.
7.4
Our response to all reported incidents of anti-social behaviour will involve
interviewing the complainant, investigating their complaint, and determining the most
appropriate course of action.
7.5
In the case of serious anti social we will agree an action plan with the victim/witness
within 1 working day of their interview.
7.6
In the case of minor anti social behaviour we will agree an action plan with the
victim/witness within 5 working days of their interview.
7.7
In all cases we will let the victim know what action we will be taking and indicate
how long we believe this will take.
7.8
We will keep the victim up to date with our actions and ensure we speak to them
at least once a month.
7.9
In all cases we will make contact with the alleged perpetrator of acts of anti social
behaviour to advise them of the allegations that have been made against them and to
hear their side of the story.
7.10
We will take action in order to prevent anti-social behaviour from recurring. We
recognise that every case of anti social behaviour is unique and we will determine our
approach to each case based on the evidence we collect during our investigations.
The action that we take will be proportionate and appropriate to the behaviour that is
being reported and the alarm and distress caused to the victim(s). We will generally
take action to regain possession of the home of perpetrators of anti-social behaviour
as a last resort, where all other approaches have failed. 2
7.11
We will adopt a robust approach to serious anti social behaviour. We may refer
families perpetrating serious anti-social behaviour, to the Family Intervention Project
which provides intensive family support as a means to resolve the anti-social
behaviour. We may attempt to secure court orders to prevent the re-occurrence of
anti social behaviour and commence possession proceedings as our primary course
of action.
2
In some serious anti social behaviour cases our approach may involve the commencement of
possession proceedings, as our primary course of action.
8
Version 1 - 260810
7.12
We will adopt an incremental approach to addressing minor acts of anti-social
behaviour, providing the perpetrator with the opportunity to change their behaviour to
prevent the escalation of action against them.
7.13
In addressing anti social behaviour we will use one or a combination of the following
measures, depending on the circumstances of the case:
 informal contact with the alleged perpetrator
 formal written warnings
 referral to other agencies (e.g. the Supporting People Team, Family Intervention
Project)
 referral to mediation
 use of Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs)
 use of Parenting Agreements
 court action to secure a range of orders to prevent re-occurrence of anti social
behaviour, such as:
o Undertakings
o Injunctions
o Anti Social Behaviour Injunctions
o Anti Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs)
o Criminal Anti Social Behaviour Orders
o Parenting Orders
 court action to demote a secure tenancy
 court action to secure possession of the home of either a secure, introductory or
demoted tenant
7.14
We will close cases when the anti-social behaviour has been resolved and the
complainant is happy for us to do so, or if the complainant fails to provide us with
information or make contact with us. We will notify the victim of our conclusion by
personally contacting them and confirm this in writing.
7.15
If we are satisfied we have taken every reasonable and proportionate step to resolve
the anti-social behaviour we will close the case, even if the complainant does not
want us to. We will explain the reasons why we have closed the case and will provide
alternative advice.
7.16
We will regularly review cases to prevent them from being left open indefinitely.
7.17
We will re-open a case at any time where a further incident connected to the case
has been reported to us.
7.18
When we close a case, we will send out a satisfaction survey to all complaints,
seeking their views on how well we performed and how we could improve our
performance.
9
Version 1 - 260810
PART 3
DOMESTIC ABUSE
Introduction
1.1
The Council recognises that it has a duty to our tenants and other residents in the
locality to deal with matters of nuisance and anti-social behaviour, including domestic
abuse. Failure to act impacts not only on residents’ lives but also on the quality of our
homes and estates.
1.2
We are responsible for ensuring that we act as a responsible landlord and meet our
statutory obligations as well as enforcing good behaviour standards through the
implementation of our domestic abuse policy.
1.3
As a landlord we make it clear to our tenants that we will not tolerate anti-social
behaviour in any form, this includes domestic abuse. We do this when granting new
tenancies by explaining to the tenant what is expected of them in terms of behaviour
and by stressing what the consequences can be for them if they breach their tenancy
agreement. Existing tenants will be reminded from time to time through the Tenants
Newsletter.
1.4
The aims of the policy are to:



prioritise victim safety
increase identification of domestic abuse
raise awareness through promotional information and encourage
disclosure



remove the stigma attached to domestic abuse
hold perpetrators accountable for their actions
contribute to County statistics kept to monitor disclosures.
Definition of Domestic Abuse
2.1
We define domestic abuse as:
any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical,
sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate
partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.
Our Approach to Domestic Abuse
3.1
Our approach to dealing with domestic abuse incorporates the following elements:



raising awareness of domestic abuse
working in partnership to ensure the safety of victims of domestic abuse and to
meet their longer term needs
holding perpetrators to account for their actions
3.2
Underpinning our approach to addressing domestic abuse is a commitment to work
in partnership with a range of agencies to ensure that an appropriate range of
solutions are provided to meet the needs of victims of domestic abuse.
3.3
Tenant Services will actively participate in meetings of the Stroud Domestic Abuse
Forum and will work in partnership with a range of partner, including:
10
Version 1 - 260810



3.4
Gloucestershire County Council Domestic Violence and Abuse Coordination Team
Gloucestershire Domestic Violence Support and Advocacy Project
Gloucestershire Constabulary
We are committed to the implementation of the Housing Toolkit established by the
Co-ordinated Community Response to Domestic Violence (CCR). Our policy and
process reflect the spirit and detail of the Housing Toolkit.
Raising awareness of domestic abuse
4.1
We will produce materials, which will appear on our website and in our tenants
handbook, to raise awareness of domestic abuse and to encourage victims of
domestic abuse to make disclosures.
4.2
We will ensure that all Housing Officers have received domestic abuse awareness
training and are trained in our procedures for addressing domestic abuse.
4.3
We will ensure that victims of domestic abuse are treated with dignity and respect at
all times and dealt with in a supportive and sensitive manner.
Working in partnership to ensure the safety of victims of domestic abuse and to meet
their longer term needs
5.1
When an incident of domestic abuse has been reported to us we will interview the
victim within 1 working day. We will refer all victims of domestic abuse, with their
consent, to the Central Allocation and Referral Point (CARP) of the Gloucestershire
Domestic Violence Support and Advocacy Project (GDVSAP).
5.2
Following the interview with the victim we will work with them, and other agencies to
agree an action plan to address their needs. The action plan will be developed within
1 working day of the interview taking place with the victim. We will let the victim
know what action we will be taking and indicate how long we believe this will take.
5.3
We will keep the victim up to date with our actions and ensure we speak to them
at least once a month.
5.4
We recognise that the circumstances of every case are unique and we will initiate, in
partnership with the victim and other appropriate agencies, a range of actions to
ensure that each victim is safe and their longer term needs are addressed. The
action that we take with will be proportionate and appropriate to the risk of future
incidents of domestic abuse being committed and the alarm and distress caused to
the victim.
5.5
Where the victim wishes to remain in their home we will consider one or a
combination of the following actions:



installing additional security measures in the home
referring the victim to the “Sanctuary Scheme”
referral to an appropriate floating support provider
11
Version 1 - 260810

seeking Non Molestation (to prevent the perpetrator from approaching members
of the household) and Occupation Orders (to remove the perpetrator from the
property)
5.6
Where damage has been caused to the home of the tenant by the perpetrator of
domestic abuse and the tenant has reported it to the Police, we will undertake repairs
as emergency repairs and not charge the tenant for the cost of the work.
5.6
Where the victim doesn’t feel safe in their home we will work closely with the
Council’s Housing Advice Team to ensure that emergency accommodation is
provided for the victim and their family.
5.7
Whilst the victim is accommodated in temporary accommodation we will discuss the
longer term options that are available to them and develop an action plan which is
appropriate to their needs. We will work with victims of domestic abuse living in
emergency accommodation, to ensure that they are accommodated in a home
appropriate for their needs, in an area where they are considered to be safe.
Holding perpetrators to account
6.1
We will ensure that the perpetrators of domestic abuse are held to account for their
actions. However, this will only be possible where the victim co-operates with the
council.
6.2
Where damage has been caused to our property, we will charge them for the cost of
the repairs.
6.2
In instance where a sole tenant is the perpetrator of domestic abuse, we will consider
taking possession action against the tenant, using Ground 2A of Schedule 2 to the
Housing Act 1985, depending on the quality of evidence available to the Council.
6.3
In instances where the victim of domestic abuse is the joint tenant of the property and
they have been accommodated in emergency accommodation under Part VI of the
Housing Act 1996, we will encourage the victim to end the tenancy of their home by
providing us with a notice to quit. In such instances we will:



6.4
inform the remaining tenant that notice to quit has been received and that their
tenancy will terminate on its expiry date
where there are dependent children present in the home, refer the case to
Gloucestershire County Council’s Children’s Social Care Department Referral
and Assessment Team
inform the remaining tenant that we are unlikely to have any obligation to offer
them alternative accommodation under the provisions of the Housing Act 1996.
If, following the expiry of the notice to quit, the former tenant is still in occupation of
the accommodation, we will regard them as unauthorised occupiers and seek
possession through court action.
12
Version 1 - 260810
PART 4
HATE CRIME
Introduction
1.1
The Council recognises that it has a duty to our tenants and other residents in the
locality to deal with matters of nuisance and anti-social behaviour, including hate
crimes. Failure to act impacts not only on residents’ lives but also on the quality of
our homes and estates.
1.2
We are responsible for ensuring that we act as a responsible landlord and meet our
statutory obligations as well as enforcing good behaviour standards through the
implementation of our domestic abuse policy.
1.3
A hate crime is a violation of personal and civil rights. Hate crimes are not only
crimes against the targeted victim but also against a particular group as a whole.
Hate crimes are attacks on communities.
1.4
As a landlord we make it clear to our tenants that we will not tolerate anti-social
behaviour in any form, this includes hate crimes. We do this when granting new
tenancies by explaining to the tenant what is expected of them in terms of behaviour
and by stressing what the consequences can be for them if they breach their tenancy
agreement. Existing tenants will be reminded from time to time through the Tenants
Newsletter.
1.5
The aims of the policy are to:



prioritise victim safety
increase identification of hate crimes
raise awareness through promotional information and encourage
disclosure


remove the stigma attached to hate crimes
hold perpetrators accountable for their actions
Definition of Hate Crimes
2.1 The Council defines hate crimes as:
“any hate incident, which is perceived by the victim or any other person, as being
motivated by prejudice or hate. Examples of a hate crime or incident could be
because of someone’s gender, religion, age, faith, race, disability, or because they
are gay, lesbian or transgender”.
2.2
2.3
A victim of hate crime does not have to be a member of a minority group or someone
who is generally considered to be vulnerable. For example, the friends of a visibly
minority ethnic person, lesbian or refugee may be victimised because of their
association. In some cases the perpetrator’s perception may be wrong. This can result
in a person entirely unconnected with the hate motivation becoming the victim. In
reality anyone can become the victim of a hate crime.
We believe that no one has the right to harass, threaten or assault someone
because of who they are and that. effective action against hate incidents requires
that these crimes are reported to the Police and to us. Only if hate crime is
reported can we together take action to deal with it. If hate crime is reported victims
13
Version 1 - 260810
can be offered help and support, and action can be taken against the perpetrators.
It is important to report incidents however small so that early intervention can take
place to avoid escalation.
Our Approach to Addressing Hate Crimes
3.1
Our approach to dealing with hate crimes incorporates the following elements:



raising awareness of hate crimes and encouraging reporting
working in partnership to ensure the safety of victims of hate crimes and to meet
their longer term needs
holding perpetrators to account for their actions
3.2
Underpinning our approach to addressing hate crimes is a commitment to work in
partnership with a range of agencies to ensure that an appropriate range of solutions
are provided to meet the needs of victims of hate crimes.
3.3
Tenant Services will actively participate in meetings of the Cotswolds & Stroud
Stronger Safer Community Partnership and will work in partnership with a range of
partner, including Gloucestershire Constabulary to address hate crime incidents.
Raising awareness of hate crime
4.1
We will produce materials, which will appear on our website and in our tenants
handbook, to raise awareness of hate crimes and to encourage victims to report hate
crimes.
4.2
We will ensure that all Housing Officers have received hate crime awareness training
and are trained in our procedures for addressing hate crimes.
4.3
We will ensure that victims of hate crimes are treated with dignity and respect at all
times and dealt with in a supportive and sensitive manner.
Working in partnership to ensure the safety of victims of hate crimes and to meet their
longer term needs
5.1
When a hate crime or incident is reported to us, we will investigate it thoroughly and
will contact the complainant within 1 working day of receiving the complaint to
discuss the incident.
5.2
We will take a ‘victim centred’ approach when responding to cases of hate crime.
If the victim feels the case is motivated by hate it will be treated as a hate crime.
The perception will be used as a starting point to help focus the investigation.
5.3
We will take reports of harassment from anyone wishing to give us this
information and not insist that it has to come from a Stroud DC tenant or
leaseholder.
5.4
In the case of hate crimes we will agree an action plan with the victim/witness within
1 working day of their interview. We will let the victim know what action we will be
taking and indicate how long we believe this will take.
14
Version 1 - 260810
5.5
We will keep the victim up to date with our actions and ensure we speak to them
at least once a month.
5.6
We will notify the victim of our conclusion by personally contacting them and
confirm this in writing.
5.7
We recognise that the circumstances of every case are unique and we will initiate a
range of actions to ensure that each victim is safe and their longer term needs are
addressed, through partnership working. The action that we, and other agencies take
will be proportionate and appropriate to the risk of future incidents of hate crimes
being committed and the alarm and distress caused to the victim.
5.8
Where the victim wishes to remain in their home we will consider one or a
combination of the following actions:
 installing additional security measures in the home
 referring the victim to the “Sanctuary Scheme”
 referral to an appropriate floating support provider
 seeking injunctions against the perpetrator
5.9
We will treat as an emergency repairs to a victim’s home which are caused as a
result of hate crime.
5.10
Where the victim doesn’t feel safe in their home we will work closely with the
Council’s Housing Advice Team to ensure that emergency accommodation is
provided for the victim.
5.11
Whilst the victim is accommodated in temporary accommodation we will discuss the
longer term options that are available to them and develop an action plan which is
appropriate to their needs. We will work with victims of domestic abuse living in
emergency accommodation, to ensure that they are accommodated in a home
appropriate for their needs, in an area where they are considered to be safe.
5.12
If the outcome of an investigation is that we do not feel the incident was
motivated by hate we will explain this to the victim. We will also treat any future
report from the victim as a hate crime if the victim reports it as such.
Holding perpetrators to account
6.1
Where there is evidence of hate crime appropriate action will be taken, taking into
account the nature and severity of the incident and the options available. The full
range of civil legal remedies will be considered including injunctions, anti-social
behaviour orders, anti social behaviour injunctions, demoting tenancies (change
of tenancy from secure to non-secure) and eviction.
6.2
We will take legal action against leaseholders on the grounds of nuisance if they
or their tenants commit hate crimes.
15
Version 1 - 260810
PART 5
EQUALITIES
Introduction
1.1
The Council is committed to giving an equal service to all. Any action taken under
this policy will comply with current equalities legislation.
Procedures and Practices
2.1
The Council’ staff and contractors will operate in such a way to ensure that their
procedures and practices are sensitive to the needs of individual residents and to
ensure that they do not discriminate on the grounds of:







2.2
ethnicity
age
disability
religion or belief
gender
sexual preference
gender identity
Enforcement of the Anti Social Behaviour Policy will be tailored to meet the needs of
individuals, for example the approach to addressing a breach of tenancy may vary
from case to case because of the vulnerability of the tenant who either the victim or
perpetrator of the complaint. All cases will be considered on an individual basis.
Information
3.1
The Council will in all reasonable circumstances make information available in a
variety of information formats, including:



large print
audio tape
community languages
16
Version 1 - 260810
PART 6
PERFORMANCE MONITORING
Introduction
1.1
The Council will monitor its performance in delivering its Anti Social Behaviour Policy
to ensure that the service is delivered effectively.
Performance Monitoring
2.1
To help achieve the Council’s aim of ensuring continuous improvement in the
services it provides and to ensure that it meets all statutory obligations, the Council
will put in place systems and processes in place which allow it to monitor and
evaluate performance.
2.2
The Council will constantly monitor service standards and its achievement of targets
in relation to addressing all forms anti social behaviour.
2.3
The Council will continually review its services by measurement against the
performance of other social housing providers, with the aim of achieving continuous
improvement and to ensure compliance with best practice
2.4
The Housing Portfolio Holder and the Housing Management Forum will receive
quarterly updates detailing the following information for the previous quarter:





the number of complaints of serious anti social behaviour and the actions taken
the number of complaints of minor anti social behaviour and the actions taken
the number of complaints of domestic abuse and the actions taken
the number of complaints of hate crime and actions taken
the level of satisfaction with the Council’s response to complaints of anti social
behaviour
17
Version 1 - 260810
PART 7
REVIEW OF ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR POLICY
1.1
This policy will be reviewed by the Council every three years unless there is a
change in legislation or regulation.
1.2
Where there has been a change in legislation which has an impact on the policy, the
policy will be reviewed within 3 months of the legislation or regulation coming into
affect.
18
Version 1 - 260810
PART 8
APPROVALS
Date approved by the Housing Management Forum:
xxth October 2010
Date approved by the Council:
xxth November 2010
Date for review of the policy:
November 2011
19
Version 1 - 260810