Anti-Social Behaviour
Summary of Policy and Procedures
Our commitment
Worthing Homes aims to ensure that all complaints of Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)/ Nuisance and Breaches of Tenancy Conditions are dealt with promptly and effectively.
Worthing Homes has adopted specific policy and procedures for dealing with ASB/ Nuisance and Breaches of tenancy conditions to ensure that appropriate action is taken to tackle the problem and promote a safer and pleasant environment.
Worthing Homes is committed to doing all it practically can to eradicate Anti-Social Behaviour. We have signed up to an Information Exchange Protocol with Worthing and Adur Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership jointly with Sussex Police and other Registered Social Landlords to tackle and solve specific ASB problems with a multi-agency approach.
Worthing Homes will train staff involved in service delivery on Worthing Homes's policies and procedures and their associated responsibilities.
Multi-agency partnership/ Information Exchange Protocol
Referrals can be made to the ASB Case Worker who will work with
appropriate agencies to tackle anti-social behaviour effectively, this may include action against owner occupiers or other tenures to protect our tenants, the caseworker will carry out the following functions:
- Call a meeting/ problem solving group
- Collate reports of ASB & gather evidence
- Agree suggested action, such as an Acceptable Behaviour Contract
- Identify the Lead Agency
- Identify who can be a witness
- Ensure that the case is progressed through the appropriate actions agreed
Other legal action may include: -
- Anti-Social Behaviour Order
- Demotion of Tenancy
- Injunction
- Possession Hearing
Definitions of ASB
A list of examples may include:
- Noise nuisance
- Using or threatening to use premises for immoral or illegal purposes
- Violence or threats of violence, or violence against property
- Domestic Violence - see Domestic Violence Policy for further definitions
- Aggressive and threatening language and behaviour
- Intimidation or Harassment - see Harassment policy for further definitions
- The fouling of public areas
- Fly-tipping
Our Tenants Obligations
The tenant's obligations are set out in the Tenancy Agreement, in summary they are responsible for their own behaviour and conduct, including the behaviour and conduct of people who live with them and visit them.
Prevention
Worthing Homes have a range of initiatives which are essential in preventing ASB/ Nuisance and Breaches of Tenancy Conditions, these include: -
- Mediation
- Floating Support
- Work closely with the Police, Local Authority and other relevant agencies
- Designing new properties with features to enhance security
- Ensuring that tenancy obligations relating to ASB are clearly explained at 'Sign Up' interview.
- Removing Graffiti promptly
- Supporting local schemes and projects that provide diversionary activities for young people.
Access to information
Worthing Homes will ensure that complainants are given appropriate advice, we will assist with liaising with relevant specialist agencies to ensure that where necessary witnesses of ASB, racial harassment, domestic violence have access to appropriate advice, support or protection.
A copy of our polices and procedures will be made available to anyone who requests a copy upon payment of a reasonable fee. The Summary of our current policy and procedures on ASB is provided to any person who requests it at no charge.
Confidentiality
Worthing Homes will not reveal details of a complainant although the other party may make an assumption about the source of complaints. If the matter goes to Court complainants may be required to give evidence, however permission will be sought prior to any disclosure of information to the perpetrator.
Other relevant policies
- Harassment
- Domestic Violence
- Transfers
- Equality & Diversity
- Tenant Participation and Consultation Strategy