Agenda item

Report of the Assistant Director – Housing and Revenues

The Assistant Director Housing and Revenues submitted a report (previously circulated) to provide Members with an update of the Housing Services Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) policy 2022-2026. A presentation accompanied the report (also previously circulated).

It was reported that the policy was approved by Cabinet in 2022, setting out how the Council would deal with reports of ASB and hate crime effectively and promptly, taking appropriate, swift, proportionate action, including legal action, when necessary; and reference was made to the expectations of the Regulator of Social Housing’s consumer standards.

Members were provided with details of performance, noting that 383 cases involving Council tenants were opened in 2024/25; with the main areas of complaints being noise, pet nuisance, verbal abuse/harassment/intimidation/threatening behaviour and drug/substance misuse; and that repeat complaints were high, with 185 cases opened where a previous complaint had been made.  It was reported that the majority of complaints were closed as a result of advice given and early intervention.

The presentation outlined the multi-agency working, enforcement action undertaken, and work undertaken in the last 12 months along with planned work for the next 12 months.

 Discussion ensued regarding the processes involved with a court eviction, this included safeguarding referrals and referral to the Housing Options team if required; and following a question Members were informed that once a case had been closed, tenants would receive a case closure letter and survey and non-responders would be contacted via telephone for feedback.

Members sought clarification regarding ‘Failure to reside in the property as their sole and only residence’ as a reason for repossession and requested further information regarding age demographics for those responsible for anti-social behaviour in council housing.

RESOLVED – That the report and Housing Services Anti-social Behaviour Policy review be noted.