Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy and Statement of Procedure

Anti Social Behaviour

 “Any action that is or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons not of the same household as the perpetrator”. (Crime and Disorder Act 1998- section 1)

From the point of view of Housing and Property Services, ASB is conduct which:

• Is capable of causing nuisance or annoyance to any person; and
• Directly or indirectly relates to or affects our housing management function; or
• Consists of, or involves using or threatening to use housing accommodation owned or managed by us for an unlawful purpose. (adapted from section 218A(8) of the Housing Act 1996 inserted by the Anti-Social behaviour Act 2003).

For a non-exhaustive list of examples of behaviours that may be deemed to be anti-social in nature, see Annex 2

Statement of intent

The Housing and Property Services department is committed to promoting a safe and secure environment in which tenants, leaseholders and visitors can live peacefully and enjoy a good quality of life. The department recognises that the quality of life of a community can be seriously eroded by ASB.

We firmly believe that everyone has the right to enjoy life in their own way providing they do not cause nuisance or annoyance to neighbours.

Purpose of Strategy and Statement of Procedure

Section 218A of the 1996 Housing Act was inserted by Section 12 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003. It requires landlords that are local housing authorities, Housing Action Trusts (HATS) and registered social landlords (collectively referred to as “social landlords”) to prepare and publish procedures

in relation to anti-social behaviour.

The purpose of this strategy is to establish and update the procedures used by the department, taking into account new legislation for tackling ASB; in order to provide a clear and concise document outlining the manner in which reported instances of ASB will be dealt with. By following an agreed set of basic

guidelines, the department will ensure that all reported instances of ASB are dealt with in an efficient and co-ordinated manner.

Equality is one of the main principles that guides this procedure statement. It has been designed to ensure that any one experiencing ASB receives the same quality of service.

Next page: General Policy Statement

Housing Services

E-mail:

housing.tenantparticipation
@thanet.gov.uk

Tel: 01843 577221