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Transcript of Nuisance News Issue 43
nuisance newsThe quarterly newsletter of the Social Landlords Crime and Nuisance Group Issue 43 Sep 2007
This issue includes articles from
the following members:-
Acis Group
Anthony Collins Solicitors
Birmingham City Council
Bolton at Home
Calico HA
Camden Council
Chelmer HA
Cherwell HA
Coast & Country Housing
Cobbetts
Colchester Borough Homes
Communities & Local Government
Cross Keys Homes
Dane Housing Group
Derby Homes
Drum HA
Hampshire Constabulary
Harvest Housing Group
Helena Housing
HouseMark
KLEEG
Mouchel Parkman
New Charter HA
New Progress HA
Pennine Housing 2000
Plymouth County Council
South Essex Homes
Sovereign HA
University of Birmingham
Wales andWest HA
West Midlands Police
Whiteheads
Worcester Community HA
This issue
ocial LandlordsCrime and Nuisance Group
Good business for SLCNG atHarrogateAny members visiting our stand
at the CIH conference at
Harrogate in June would have
noticed the enormous amount
of interest – not just from
existing members but also
potential members.
We were pleased to have legal
experts fromWhiteheads on hand to give free advice to our visitors – a good
sign for future cooperation between our two organisations! Plans are already
in hand to have a better (but not bigger!) stand for 2008.
Many useful contacts were made and a great deal of follow-up work is in
hand to try to turn those contacts into membership applications. We also had
the chance to talk to colleagues from Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and
New Zealand.
Peter Jackson was invited to chair a conference session on the subject of the
SLCNG/Housemark Toolkit with presentations from Steve Osborne
(Housemark), Peter Fenn (CLG), Sue Roach (Community Gateway) and Ian
McGibbon (Birmingham BASBU). Some 130 delegates attended. The launch of
the Toolkit is expected in August 2007 and a programme of seminars on the
Toolkit has been organised for the Autumn,which will be jointly hosted by
SLCNG and Housemark. Further details appear on page 3 of this edition.
As a result of some hard work with our web designers, visitors to the stand
had a preview of our new website – which we expect to be up and running in
September.
Our new version of Nuisance News attracted much favourable comment.
The print-run was increased by 50% in anticipation of the extra demand.
It seemed that hardly any delegate left the conference without a copy!
As always, excellent networking took place with existing and potential
partners, including TPAS, CIH, Housemark,Tribal and CSHS.
Everyone involved with the stand was relieved to see out the week, but we’re
all looking forward to 2008!
Editorial
Conferencecalls for bettercollaborationbetweenagenciesOvershadowed as it was by the sad news about TimWinter, the
2007 conference was an outstanding success. The 280 delegates
had a range of workshops to attend with the opening plenary
session from Joe Tuke (Director of the Respect Task Force) and
Claudia Webbe (Vice Chair of Operation Trident Advisory Group)
closing the conference.
Joe recapped on progress to date with the Respect Action Plan.
Obviously an important year with some headway being made on
Respect Areas, the Respect Standard and the development of
family intervention programmes. Joe made a plea for social
landlords to “fly the flag”on parenting services, suggesting that
the investment in parenting by landlords made good business
sense. In addition, he thought that parenting classes should be as
common as ante-natal classes.
However the overriding message from the floor was the need for
more and better collaboration between agencies to deliver
effective solutions to tackle anti-social behaviour. Joe recognised
that the pressures on children’s services needed to be
understood by the Task Force. From the floor, Ruth Cartwright
(BASW)made a plea for housing to work with children’s services
but recognised the need to combine enforcement with support.
A theme for 2008 was suggested by David Butler (CIH Chief
Executive) - all delegates should bring someone from a partner
agency! Perhaps this is an issue that warrants a dedicated
conference to help open up the communication channels?
Claudia spoke passionately about the scourge of gun crime in
London,with first hand experience of working with communities
and the effects on both victims and perpetrators.
She made a plea for social landlords to do more to encourage
community partnerships and to provide better support for
victims and witnesses.
More details of the work of Trident can be found on the website
www.stoptheguns.org
Louise,where artthou?The “Respect”brand is clearly one that is
coveted by many in Whitehall. How else could
you justify the snaffling of Louise Casey’s Team
by Ed Balls’ new Department?
At the time of going to press, SLCNG are
awaiting news of how the relocated Task Force
will work in the future.
Currently tucked away in the Young People
Directorate of the department for children,
schools and families, Louise reports to Lesley
Longstone, the Director General. From that
position of apparently reduced status it is hard
to see how the Task Force will…
“continue to work across government
departments and with local agencies to
deliver on and embed the Respect Action
Plan - driving through action to support
good behaviour and challenge bad, and
empowering local communities to do the
same”
as the Task Force website proclaims.
Clearly, we all need to work harder to ensure
that the necessary intervention and support is
in place so that the root causes of anti-social
behaviour can be tackled. Given Louise’s
energy and commitment, she will not stint in
her efforts to bring those results about.
In the meantime those of us who have aligned
with the philosophy of the Respect Agenda
and are busy implementing the Respect
Standard would like some reassurance about
the fate of one of our key partners at the heart
of Government.
Peter Jackson
Managing Director
SLCNG
July 2007
2
SLCNG
HouseMark, in partnership with the SLCNG is running a series of service
improvement workshops on good practice in tackling ASB and measuring
the effectiveness of landlords ASB services.
Dates and venues
16th Oct London 6th Nov Coventry 8th Nov Exeter
14th Nov Sheffield 16th Nov Swindon 20th Nov Cardiff
27th Nov Chester 30th Nov Newmarket 11th Dec Crawley
13th Dec Newcastle Time: 9.30am to 4.00pm
Workshop aims
The workshops will:
� consider how to measure the effectiveness of landlord actions in
tackling ASB and using data to improve services
� explore current legal issues in relation to ASB
� update delegates on current good practice approaches to tackling ASB
Workshop content
The workshops will include:
� update on the Performance
Improvement Toolkit for the Respect
Standard for Housing Management
� overview of early data and results
from the HouseMark ASB
Benchmarking Service
� legal update on ASB
� guest speaker from the Audit Commission, Communities and Local
Government, Home Office (Respect Task Force) or the Housing
Corporation
� practitioner good practice updates
There will also be an open debate on topical ASB issues when delegates
can raise questions with speakers.
Who can attend
The workshops are exclusively for HouseMark and SLCNG subscribers.
The Cardiff workshop is also open to CIH Cymru branch members in non-
subscribing organisations.
Each workshop will cater for no more than 50 delegates and there is a l
imit of four places per organisation. The workshops will sell out so early
booking is essential to avoid disappointment.
Fees
The delegate fee is only £125 plus VAT for HouseMark and SLCNG
subscribers.
How to book
Contact Louise at Right Location: Phone: 0870 3000878
e-mail: [email protected]
HouseMark, the SLCNG and
Communities and Local Government
have produced a Performance
Improvement Toolkit for the Respect
Standard for Housing Management.
The Toolkit will assist social landlords
to measure their effectiveness in
tackling ASB and meeting the
requirements of the Respect
Standard. It includes a suite of local
performance indicators and
guidance on their selection, interpre-
tation and use in contributing to
service improvements in tackling
ASB.
A complainant satisfaction survey
and annual resident perception
survey will also be produced and
based firmly on existing social
landlord good practice.
The toolkit with be a non-
prescriptive tool that will support
landlords in:
� measuring their effectiveness in
tackling ASB
� gathering robust management
and performance data
� enabling residents to influence
services delivered by their
landlords and other local agencies
� engaging residents in developing,
selecting and monitoring progress
against performance indicators
� using performance information to
drive performance improvement
alone and in partnership
� setting effective targets and
benchmarking against the
performance of peers
� seeking out and adopting best
practice
The Toolkit is free and will be
available in August 2007.
The performanceimprovement toolkit for Landlords
ocial LandlordsCrime and Nuisance Group
ASB and RespectWorkshops
3
Police Community Support
Officers sponsored
Four Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) have
been sponsored by Pennine Housing 2000 and are now
getting involved with communities on their estates.
Although they have policing powers, their role is not to
take over as police officers, but to be additional support
for the community reducing the fear of crime and
improving community safety.
PCSOs have a number of roles,most important of
which is to be there for tenants and residents and
provide advice and follow-up any problems they may
be experiencing.
Pennine Housing has also provided the PCSOs with a
specially-fitted Community Advice vehicle. This is used
as a mobile advice centre, visiting estates around
Calderdale, with seating, a table and information leaflets
for residents.
If any resident has problems in any area, they can call on
the PCSOs for assistance, from dealing with groups who
are being intimidating to giving talks on safety and
security. Tenants can also make referrals (report
incidents) through their housing officer, so that PCSOs
can visit areas where there is a cause for concern.
Geoff Killerby, Pennine’s ASB Team Manager said : "We
have already proven through our work that by taking
swift and early action to tackle anti-social behaviour and
its causes, we can make a real difference to our tenants
and the wider community. Sponsoring the PCSO’s
demonstrates our commitment to this and sends out a
clear signal that we will work to uphold certain standards
of respect and behaviour, to the benefit of all. However
this cannot be done in isolation and we do rely on
working in partnership with key agencies and organi-
sations in Calderdale, such as the Police, Calderdale
Council, the Probation Service and other registered
social landlords."
Member’s News
Like to knowmore then contact:
Geoff Killerby 01422 231007
Anti-Social
Behaviour injunction
with power of arrestWorcester Community Housing (WCH) has successfully
obtained a three year Anti-Social Behaviour Injunction
with power of arrest.
The injunction sees a local youth, who is the ring leader
of a gang who regularly intimidate residents, cause
criminal damage and take part in shoplifting sprees,
banned from the whole of a Worcester estate.
The ASB injunction came as a result of some excellent
partnership working. Faced with the problem of
obtaining evidence (local people would not give
statements or give evidence against him or any of the
gang members) WCH teamed up with local Police to
tackle the ringleader.The outcome has proven to be a
total success.
Every target of the Police has either been sentenced,
committed to prison or been subjected to an Anti-
Social Behaviour Order. On top of the 3 year injunction,
WCH has successfully placed a 12 month injunction on
the tenant whose home the gang used as a base.
WCH Community Safety Manager Bruce Mourby said:
“This work has brought a complete change to the
estate, the community feels safe and the action has sent
a strong message to others who operated on the edge
of this group that we will, and do work in partnership to
tackle acts of ASB
which affect our
communities.”
Like to knowmore then contact:
Bruce Mourby 01905 670237
4
Book Review
Anti-Social Behaviour and Social Housing Conference 2007
THE Conference for Local Authority and RSL Managers, Case Workers and Legal Advisers
Tuesday 30th October 2007The Hatton Conference Centre,London EC1N
Fee£295 + VAT
Special OfferTHIRD AND SUBSEQUENTDELEGATES HALF PRICE*(*see booking form)
LONDON� Jan Luba QC
(Chairman and lead speaker)� Peter Fenn,
Head of RESPECT� Adam Greenwood,
Adam Greenwood Associates� Gill Marshall,
Leeds City Council� Dylan Sadler,
Plymouth City Council
Speakers
Tel 01249 701555 Fax 01249 701666 Email [email protected] www.limelegal.co.uk
Book now or obtain full programme at www.limelegal.co.uk
Find out all the latest on:� Evidence in ASB cases� How to make best use of the
Civil Courts� How to make best use of the
Criminal Courts� The use of Demoted Tenancies and
Possession Proceedings in ASB cases� Policy Guidance� Forthcoming changes you need
to plan for
Back on track - a goodpractice guide to addressinganti-social behaviourShelter 2006 Order via www.shelter.org.uk/publications
Price £12.50
It’s not clear who this well intentioned but disappointing
report is aimed at, nor what it is trying to bring to the
debate on how to tackle anti-social behaviour. There are
plenty of better informed good practice guides around
at the moment for housing and homelessness
practitioners to use - the CIH guide, for instance.
At least the Shelter publication reinforces the widely
accepted view that family support and the involvement
of young people significantly contribute to tackling
anti-social behaviour. Although only published at the
end of 2006,much of the content seems strangely out of
date, as Adam Sampson says in his foreword “increasingly
it (i.e. the Government) is choosing to deal with the
problem (of anti-social behaviour) through punitive
measures”.
This lightweight report is a curious mixture of legal
inaccuracies and unsubstantiated statements.The
chapter on the “legal context” is very limited and
throughout there is confusion about the legislation itself.
There seems to be a lack of understanding of how
Housing Law to combat anti-social behaviour has
operated since 1996 and the suggestion is made that
Acceptable Behaviour Contracts were introduced in the
Crime and Disorder Act. According to the report the Anti-
social Behaviour Act was variously introduced in 2002
and 2003. Far from being a balanced guide, comments
such as “normal behaviour in young people is effectively
being criminalised by the media, politicians, and society”
appear throughout the report.Three case studies show
how social landlords have worked successfully with
young people while another two worthy family support
projects are highlighted – the Dundee Families Project
and the Shelter Inclusion Project.
In summary, this guide will add little to the knowledge of
most housing practitioners and will give an incomplete
view to those who might think that Shelter have
produced the definitive guide to tackling anti-social
behaviour.
Peter Jackson July 2007
5
Member’s News
Life transformedby an ASBO
An eighteen year old from Manchester has successfully turned
his life around since being given an anti-social behaviour order
three years ago.
Leigh McPhee was just fifteen years when Harvest Housing
Group and their subsidiary, Partington Housing Association,
successfully applied for an ASBO due to Leigh’s repeated acts
of anti-social behaviour.
Leigh breached the terms of the order when he entered a
particular area from which he was prohibited, resulting in him
serving a seven-month custodial sentence in a young
offenders institution.
Full time job
Since his release four months ago, Leigh has transformed his
life having concentrated on improving his skills and
knowledge whilst detained. He had the motivation and
foresight to learn various skills including brick laying and
joinery and has recently taken up a full time job as a painter
and decorator.
He is now engaged to his girlfriend and is living contentedly
with both his fiance and mother in Trafford,Manchester.
Leigh’s story counteracts recent claims that ASBOs are not
effectively combating crime and have no long-term positive
effects on young people.
Cathy Bennett, Community Safety Manager for Partington
Housing Association said:“Leigh’s story illustrates how
effective ASBOs can be. I’ve been involved in this case for
three years and am pleased that a positive outcome can result
from the action taken.”
Anti-social behaviour orders are always a last resort for Harvest
Housing Group and Partington Housing Association who work
closely with young people
in their neighbourhoods
to help reduce illegal and
anti-social behaviour.
Like to knowmore then contact:
Claire Keegan Bird Consultancy
0161 839 4846
Who says that all we do is enforce ?
From crime toan estatecaretaker
Another 18 year old from St Helens life has been
completely transformed thanks to the
partnership of a housing association and
Chamber of Commerce. Richard Cain, who
previously led a troubled life resulting in a
criminal record and custodial sentence, is now
working as part of Helena Housing’s Estate
Caretaker team.
He originally came originally came to Helena
through a short placement arranged by the
Prince’s Trust. His potential was recognised
because of his determination to change the
direction of his life. Staff working with Richard
were impressed us so much with his “can do”
attitude that arrangements were made with St
Helens Chamber to extend the placement.
A positive role model
Richard is a positive role model in Helena
Housing’s neighbourhoods, both for residents
who can see the progress he has made and
younger residents who may be susceptible to
getting into trouble. He often works in the area
where he lives and speaks openly and honestly
about his experiences and how it is possible to
reform.
Confidence has grown
The opportunity has certainly had a big impact
on Richard who said:“I was excited to be given
this opportunity with Helena Housing. I’ve learnt
a lot; how to have respect for people, how to act
as a responsible adult and its good fun being
part of a team.My confidence has grown and I’m
now comfortable in dealing with customers and
I couldn’t do this before.”
Like to knowmore then contact:
Caroline King, 01744 675708
6
I have in the past written advising
leaseholders that should they or their tenants
not cease causing ASB I will use the Law of
Property Act 1925 (Forfeiture) 3.9 “Include not carry out
(or allow anyone living permanently at, or visiting, the
property to carry out) any illegal or immoral act or
anything which might annoy or endanger neighbours or
damage or affect the building”. Further, I have told them
that ultimately legal action can be taken to repossess the
property and end the lease without compensation.
This has always worked very well. But I wondered whether
anyone has actually had to see it through in more recent
times and whether it stands the test of time?
Brian Hardingham,North Norfolk HT
I understand from you that the Leaseholders
in question are not shared owners, but either
original Tenants or those who have taken by
Assignment in respect of Right to Buy Properties.
I have reviewed the Legislation and am now able to
confirm the position in respect of your enquiry.
The Right to serve a Section 146 Notice under the Law of
Property Act was significantly restricted in relation to
long Leases of Residential Premises that is Leases which
exceed 21 years.
Under Section 168 of the Act a Landlord may not serve a
Notice under Section 146 of the Law of Property Act
1925, (that is the Notice that relates to Forfeiture) in
respect of a breach of a covenant or condition unless the
following is satisfied:-
a) The fact of the breach has been proven in an
Application to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal; or
b) The Tenant has admitted the breach; or
c) A Court or other Tribunal has judged that the breach
has occurred.
Accordingly, it seems to me, that any written warning to a
Tenant ought to clearly make reference to the
requirement for such an Application to be made before
Forfeiture proceedings can commence. It may be that the
following wording would be helpful in the type of letter
envisaged:-
".... Should the kind of matters I have referred to not
cease the Trust will have no option, but to refer the
matter to the Court to establish that these breaches have
taken place which may ultimately result in the Trust
re-possessing the Property and ending the Lease without
compensation".
I believe that such a letter would also fall within the
requirements of the Housing Corporations Regulatory
Code para. 2.1 and para. 3.5 c) of the guidance.
If there are any further enquiries in connection with this
matter please do not hesitate to contact me.
PeterWhitehead
Hello Sharon,
I have a question that I would like circulated
to other ALMOs/RSLs regarding the signing of
the Notices of Seeking Possession ( NOSP) and Notices of
Possession Proceedings ( NOPP).
Our Legal services have recently advised me that the
Chief Executive should not be the signatory on the
above notices. He advises as follows:
'' In the context of a review, the rule is that a review
hearing, if one is required, is to be undertaken by
someone not previously connected to a decision to seek
possession who must be senior to that person or
persons, or words to that effect. As a signatory to the
notices,my view is and always has been that the CEO is
connected with the decision to seek possession.There is
no other officer of Derby Homes more senior than him.
Therefore, in relation to appeals hearings, any other
officer of Derby Homes who conducts that process leaves
the status of those proceedings as
voidable/challengeable.''
My question is has anyone else come across this issue? If
yes, what have they done,who signs the NOPPs/NOSPs.
Carrie Bria , Neighbourhood Safety TeamManager
Derby Homes
The answer is an ASB officer ( or senior ASB
officer).
I think you probably need to alter your
scheme of delegation to push decision- making
down.....a CEO should not be involved in this level of
casework!
Guy Valentine-Neale, Area Manager, Southwark Council
Questions & Answers
Here is another new regular
feature where you can ask
Peter Whitehead and fellow
colleagues for their advice.
Please email questions to
Sharon Mackley.
7
Member’s News
Residents feel saferA gang of youths who terrorised members of the public
in Camden Town with their aggressive drug dealing and
fighting in the streets have been given Anti-Social
Behaviour Orders.
Highbury Magistrates’ Court found the ten youths, all
aged between 16 and 17 years old, to have caused
harassment, alarm or distress to members of the public
through a string of anti-social acts.
All the young males were given full ASBOs, which
prohibit them from :
� Entering a certain area of Camden Town
� Being verbally abusive or offensive towards any
person, or encouraging or inciting any other person to
do so
� Being in the company of no more than two people,
who cannot be named for legal reasons, within
Camden except when involved in specific youth
projects and supervised by an authorised youth
worker or volunteer.
In partnership with Camden Police, Camden Council felt
it necessary to obtain the ASBOs to prevent any further
suffering to members of the public.
Police and council staff received frequent complaints
from businesses and residents in Camden Town
regarding the gang’s violent street crime and general
anti-social behaviour. There is also evidence of their
involvement in the cannabis market.
In one of the most serious incidents one of the gang
members was seen removing his belt from his trousers
and hitting a man several times in the face causing
serious injury.
Another incident involved a large-scale fight in Camden
High Street between a group of 30 youths and three
males believed to be over drug dealing territory. CCTV
footage identified several of the gang members taking
part in the fight. Like to knowmore then contact:
Emma Mercer 0207974 6023
Drum teaches respectDrum Housing Association has been working with the
Children’s Safety Education Foundation (CSEF) to
provide teaching materials for secondary school
pupils in East Hampshire. This foundation aims to
promote and further the personal, social, health and
citizenship education of children, young people and
their parents.
Drum has provided the “respect your life, your choice”
booklets together with a video, teachers notes and
lesson plans to two secondary schools and is planning
to provide the resources in a further four. The books
are user friendly and cover many subjects from
anti-social behaviour to staying safe. The messages to
the children are emphasised by using real life reports
from newspaper articles.
Petra Norris, Housing
Manager at Drum,meets
the pupils to present the
books and explain why
Drum is providing them.
Drum feels that by providing
these resources it is meeting
part of its commitment to
work in communities
alongside the “Respect Standard for Housing
Management”.
Paul Harvey, Head of Personal, Social and Health
Education at The Petersfield School said “Topics are
very relevant to young people today”.
John McNamee, Chief Executive of CSEF, thanked
Drum Housing for their continued support and
commitment. He stressed CSEF’s willingness to
engage with housing associations to assist in
community development programmes that highlight
safety issues for
children, parents and
the elderly.
Like to knowmore then contact:
Petra Norris 01730 403005
email [email protected]
8
Residents are doingit for themselves
The residents of a block of flats have taken
community spirit into the heart of the Greenstead
Estate in Colchester.
Last year they submitted an application to Colchester
Borough Homes (CBH) Community Project Funding
group. They applied for funds that would enable
them to convert part of the communal garden space
into a working self sufficient fruit and vegetable
garden. The residents worked in partnership with
CBH, Colchester Borough Council and received further
funding from Essex County Council.
Working with CBH staff, the green fingered tenants
submitted a detailed design plan and cost estimate.
Once the fruit and vegetables have grown they will be
distributed to residents free of charge.
This project received support from firms, both locally
and nationally. The radio programme ‘Down to Earth’
hosted by BBC Essex made a live broadcast from the
garden at the official opening ceremony.
Gill Thomson, CBH Resident Involvement Manager
said: “The great thing about this project is that it has
been led by the residents. They came up with the
original idea to help combat anti-social behaviour
from young people running through the garden and
causing damage to fencing.The funding was then
approved by residents on our ASB work group.
Everyone living in the block now feels real ownership
of the garden and will also benefit from fresh
produce”
Like to knowmore then contact:
Gill Thomson 01206 507897
Member’s News
Protecting StaffWhen a visitor of a Calico tenant verbally and physically
assaulted a member of the Council’s Environmental Health
Team Calico’s specialist ASB Team responded immediately.
After taking a statement from the member of staff, they
worked closely with ASB Solicitors to apply for an
emergency injunction.
The judge did not hesitate to grant two injunctions against
the tenant and his visitor. He said: “I agree wholeheartedly
with the action you are taking. I must promote a zero
tolerance message of violence towards staff.”
Karen Ainsworth, Respect Manager said: “Calico works
closely with other partner agencies and as far as we are
concerned an assault on a member of the Council’s staff is
equal to an assault on a member of our own staff.We will
not tolerate such behaviour and will pursue possession
action against anyone carrying out such attacks. Swift
action and effective working between agencies using the
range of tools and powers available to both RSL’s and
Councils has meant that we are able to tackle incidents that
previously would
have been too
difficult to do”.
Like to knowmore then contact:
Karen Ainsworth 01282 686432
Injunction within 24 hoursAnthony Collins Solicitors LLP represented Stafford and
Rural Homes in their claim for an emergency Injunction
against the Defendant,Mr A. Richards following his repeat-
ed threats to a resident including a threat to bite his nose
off.
They successfully applied for an Injunction without Notice
to the Defendant within 24 hours which was personally
served on him. At the return date the Defendant failed to
attend and an Order was made for a period of 12 months
excluding him from the area around the victim’s home and
attaching a Power of Arrest to all clauses. The without
notice Injunction was obtained within 24 hours of Anthony
Collins being instructed which shows that immediate
remedies are available and are powerful tools protecting
victims of anti-social behaviour.
9
Anti-social behaviourand sheltered housing –the myths and the reality
Over the last year or so, CSHS has received a number of
queries from sheltered housing scheme managers in
relation to anti-social behaviour. Our anti-social
behaviour seminars also been very well attended. It is
clear that anti-social behaviour issues are increasingly of
concern to people living and working in sheltered
housing.
Why is this?
From feedback received, this increasing concern seems
largely due to the media interest in anti-social behaviour
which has exacerbated the fear of crime as much as
anything amongst sheltered housing residents and staff
alike. However, this is not to overlook the changing
nature of sheltered housing which to some extent has
resulted in a greater mix of residents from different
generations with different lifestyles and with different
needs as well as challenges presented by the interaction
of people living within sheltered housing with their local
community.
The increased vulnerability of older
residents can make them more
susceptible to both being victims or
perpetrators of anti-social behaviour
and eccentric or irregular behaviour
can often be perceived as anti-social
behaviour. The experience of crime
or the fear of crime and anti-social
behaviour can have a significant effect on a resident’s or
scheme manager’s health and well-being as well as their
ability to play an active role in the community in which
they live.
Good practice guide
To respond to these queries and to provide help and
support for scheme managers, we have developed a
good practice guide in anti-social behaviour and
sheltered/supported housing. One of the things we were
most keen to do in this guide was to dispel some of the
myths surrounding anti-social behaviour.
Anti-social behaviour is not a prevalent as the media
would have us believe and the majority of residents
living in sheltered housing continue to be unaffected.
Where anti-social behaviour does occur, it is not a new
phenomenon attributable to a decline in social standards
but has existed for many years.
Anti-social behaviour is not perpetrated solely by young
people. Neighbour nuisance for instance is more likely to
be carried out by adults and there are many instances
including some high profile cases of Anti-Social
Behaviour Orders (ABSOs) being taken out against
people in their 50s and 60s.
Scheme manager’s changed role
You will all be aware how significantly the scheme
manager’s role has changed in recent years with an
important shift of emphasis doing to facilitating. This
change has resulted in scheme managers needing and
putting into practice a whole variety of skills and
knowledge, a very long way from the “good neighbour”
role of the past.
One of the challenges scheme managers face today is to
recognise (and clarify if necessary with their employer)
the extent of their remit and to be clear about where
their role and responsibilities begin and end for both the
benefit of the service user and themselves. This is true of
dealing with anti-social behaviour issues.
What is important for the scheme manager is to try to
distinguish those situations which merit an anti-social
behaviour approach from those where other types of
help and support are more appropriate and, should an
anti-social behaviour solution be necessary, where to go
for advice and guidance.
Spotlight on...
10
Spotlight on ...
Not only is it useful for scheme managers to have a
better understanding of what anti-social behaviour is
(and often more importantly what it is not) but also to be
aware of the housing provider’s role and responsibilities.
The types of anti-social behaviour likely to be
experienced in and around sheltered housing can range
from inter-generational disputes, eccentric behaviour,
youth behaviour to noise nuisance, graffiti or vandalism.
People have their own individual tolerance levels and
what seems to be anti-social behaviour to one person
may not be considered so by the next.
Policies and procedures
Anti-social behaviour is defined by the Crime and
Disorder Act 1998 as 'acting in a manner that caused or
was likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one
or more persons not of the same household as the
perpetrator'. Your organisation should have its own
policies and procedures in relation to anti-social
behaviour which should include types of behaviour
which will not be tolerated.
Raised awareness
Government initiatives in addition to the powers
bestowed by the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 have
included the TOGETHER campaign to raise awareness
about anti-social behaviour and the Respect Plan which
includes a Respect Standard for Housing Management.
This standard is voluntary for social landlords but many
will sign up to demonstrate their commitment to
tackling anti-social behaviour. The Housing Corporation
has also issued Circular 08/04 to housing associations
which requires them to have anti-social behaviour
strategies in place.
The Audit Commission also includes, in its Key Lines of
Enquiry (KLOE 6), standards relating to the tackling of
anti-social behaviour.
Preventative Strategies
Part of an organisation approach to address anti-social
behaviour is to develop preventative strategies which
might include making sure behavioural expectations are
communicated to residents and prospective residents
and are reinforced through the residents’ handbooks,
letters, newsletters, leaflets, posters,meetings etc.
Community links, Acceptable Behaviour Contracts,
Neighbourhood/
Scheme Charters,
modification to
accommodation, youth
and inter-generational
projects have all had
some measure of
success as well as
communication and mediation strategies.
Housing organisations should also be members of the
legally required local Crime and Disorder Reduction
Partnership (CDRP) which includes representatives from
the police, local authority and voluntary services working
together to tackling local crime, disorder and anti-social
behaviour
Enforcement
Where preventative strategies are not successful and
enforcement is necessary there is a range of more than
forty legal powers and remedies which can be used
other than ASBOs.More information on these can be
found on the Respect website www.respect.gov.uk.
Scheme managers have a very valuable role in
recognising actual or potential anti-social behaviour and
alerting their organisation to potential problems at an
early stage. This can maximise the opportunity for
finding a relatively easy solution before the problem
escalates.
Scheme managers need to be clear and comfortable
with their role and remit in relation to tackling anti-social
behaviour and know when they should seek guidance,
help and advice.
Good Practice Guide
The CSHS Good Practice Guide on Anti-Social Behaviour
and Sheltered Housing which looks at the issues in more
details and includes a variety of good practice pointers
and case studies will be available August 2007.
To order a copy contact Mark Chislett,
We are also looking at running a new series of seminars
on anti-social behaviour. For information contact Julian
Everley, [email protected].
Rebecca Mollart, Deputy Director CSHS
www.cshs.co.uk
11
Member’s News
Gordon Brown -housing will be one of the keyissues
In a statement to Parliament in July Prime
Minister Gordon Brown announced that
housing will be one of the key issues on his
agenda for the next year. A new Housing Bill
will see the creation of a Housing and
Regeneration Agency to support the delivery of housing supply,
and social housing regulation will be reformed to provide a
"modern, flexible service". The Government plans to build 3
million new homes by 2020, increasing the annual target from
200,000 to 240,000 homes from 2016.
What is Section 222and how does it work?There is one power that Local Authorities have at
their disposal, which since the advent of the
Housing Acts and Crime & Disorder Act has been
underused.They are Section 222 Injunctions that
have been with us for over 30 years and are
available under the Local Government Act 1972.
Who can use them?
In essence any organisation formed under the
Local Government Act 1985, namely, County
Councils, Borough Councils and District Councils.
Why should they be used
The main reason is that Section 222 Injunctions
are very good at protecting communities and
they are intended to promote and protect the
interests of inhabitants of a specified area. Other
benefits are that:
� S222 can be used against anyone involved in
anti-social sehaviour over the age of 18 and does
not require the applicant to demonstrate any
effect on the housing management function
� The area involved can be as narrow as the
Local Authority requires e.g. single streets, ward
areas or city centres
� The procedure is quicker than an ASBO
application and the standard of proof is lower
An additional benefit of using Section 222
injunctions is that the applicant now has greater
control of the situation than it previously
enjoyed as powers of arrest can now be attached
to these injunctions as with orders under the
Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003.
What considerations apply to getting a
Section 222 injunction?
The first key test is that the action must be aimed
at the “promotion and protection”of the interests
of the inhabitants of an area.The second point is
there must be evidence of nuisance within the
Local Authority’s jurisdiction and finally, there
must be the agreement of the Senior Members
of the Council in order to pursue the action.
Despite the advantages that Local Authorities
have in terms of the variety of powers available
to them, Section 222 Injunctions are, in some
cases, the best way of protecting our
communities.
Tenants RespectConference
Coast & Country
Housing held a
RESPECT conference
and all 11,000
tenants were invited
to reserve one of the
100 places, which
were allocated on a
first-come-first-
served basis.
The conference was a great success and was opened by Iain Sim,
Coast & Country Housing’s Chief Executive. It featured two
keynote speakers, Sean Price, Chief Constable of Cleveland Police
and Alex Rhind, Assistant Director of the Government’s Respect
Task Force.
Coast & Country Housing signed up to the Respect Standard for
Housing management in 2006 and the conference was part of its
drive to raise the profile of the Respect Agenda and to
encourage communities to embrace its principles.
The conference included workshops on Neighbourhood Policing,
Community Safety and a case study on Local Successes, led by
Margaret Atkinson, a Coast & Country Housing tenant and
winner of a Respect ‘Taking a Stand’ award
Keith Helm, Chair of the Coast & Country Housing Tenants’ Forum
that helped to promote the event, also gave an address. Keith
said “Neither the police, Coast & Country Housing nor the council
can solve anti-social behaviour on their own but by working
together and involving communities we can start to go forward
and I believe the conference has enabled all involved to
recognise the issues and work as a team.”
12
Mr ASBOcelebrates
Respect for NewProgressThe Government's 'Mr Asbo', Bill Pitt,
MBE, visited Leyland to celebrate the
steps that New Progress Housing
Association is taking to stamp out
anti-social behaviour.
The man hand-picked to advise the
nation on tackling yob culture as a
result of his pioneering work in
Manchester attended a Respect
event held by New Progress. Bill is
one of the country's leading expert
practitioners on the use of powers in
the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003.
Since signing up to Respect in
February, the association has dealt
with 287 claims of anti-social
behaviour and taken legal action
against 31 tenants with persistent
and unresolvable anti-social
behaviour issues including one
eviction.
Says Gary Melia, Head of Housing
Operations: 'Signing up to Respect
demonstrated our continued
commitment to creating safe and
peaceful communities for the benefit
of all, and to further build on our
successful track record in dealing
anti-social behaviour.
'We are delighted that the champion
of tackling anti-social behaviour is
joining us to celebrate our
achievements so far and in particular,
the work we have achieved in
partnership with the local Police and
Council.'
Bill Pitt, MBE said: "This is a model
example which I am going to be
taking ideas from and pass them
onto other organisations.The way
New Progress deals with anti-social
behaviour absolutely shames some
much larger organisations, including
police forces and local authorities.
"There has been an increase in this
area in the number of incidents of
anti-social behaviour but I believe
that is because the people here feel
confident enough to come forward
and report these incidents because
of the work that New Progress has
done and continues to do.
Pictured are the Chief Executive of
Progress Housing Group and Bill Pitt.
Like to knowmore then contact:
Nykkie Berry 01772 450852
Member’s News
Partnership worksecures eviction
The East Reading Neighbourhood Policing team and
Cherwell Housing Trust have finally secured the eviction
of a woman who had a history of harassing her
neighbours.
The 55 year old tenant had a long history of racial
harassment and anti-social behaviour against her
neighbours. She was convicted of Racially Aggravated
Harassment in 2004, but complaints about her
behaviour dated back almost 10 years.
PC Tristan Khezrzadeh,who worked on the case for four
years, said:“We have gone through an extremely
complex and lengthy legal case to get this eviction.This
shows our determination to tackle anti-social behaviour
issues that cause misery to others.
“Her actions have had a lasting effect on people living
near her and some have left the area because of the
abuse they have suffered.We hope this eviction enables
neighbouring residents to go about their lives
peacefully. A great deal of work has been carried out by
the police, Dominion Housing Group and the
Neighbourhood Action Group and I know the residents
are grateful that this matter has finally reached a
conclusion.”
Sean Frizell, Housing Officer for Dominion Housing
Group, said:“We believe that residents have the right to
live in their homes peacefully and we are committed to
taking action against those carrying out any racial
harassment or anti-social behaviour.This case
demonstrates this commitment. Over several years,
working closely with the Thames Valley Police, we have
pursued this case of blatant harassment on behalf of our
residents.The role of residents in gathering evidence
and appearing in court played a vital part in the success
of our case.” Like to knowmore then contact:
Laurinda Hornblow 01865 260550
13
National Noise Action Week
Two fun events
Sovereign Housing Association supported Noise Action
Week in grand style this year, with two fun events for
residents in Newbury and Plymouth.
Both events were a big success and everyone who came
along took part in the activities and learnt some
interesting facts about noise. For example, did you
know that a balloon bursting is actually louder than an
aeroplane taking off?
There was a free raffle with a top prize of a digital
camera and printer and other great prizes. The kids had
a fantastic time seeing who could shout or scream the
loudest into Environmental Health’s decibel meter.
The winner of the competition in Newbury reached an
astounding 118 decibels, as loud as a thunderstorm!
120 decibels can harm your hearing!
One of the main attractions was the kids’ drawing
competition, judged by local councillors. The kids were
asked to draw a picture of a noise that ‘anoise’ them.
The Newbury Town Crier helped us to advertise the
event in Greenham and he attracted lots of attention!
The purpose of the events was to raise awareness about
noise nuisance issues and the effect it can have on
people’s lives. Residents at the events had the chance to
speak to different agencies, such as Environmental
Health and the local housing associations, about the
noise they experience and what to do about it. They
also found out how to avoid becoming a noisy
neighbour. The message of the events was that making
a lot of noise can be fun in the right circumstances but l
we should all consider others before making a lot of
noise.
Turn it down!Wales andWest Housing Association (WWHA), in
collaboration with Caerphilly Borough Council’s
Environmental Health Department and UnitedWelsh
Housing Association, distributed Noise Nuisance leaflets
to shoppers at Morrison’s in Caerphilly town centre, as
part of National Noise ActionWeek.
A stand outside the entrance to Morrison’s replicated a
child’s bedroom whose party wall adjoined another
resident’s lounge from which the neighbour could be
heard playing loud music.
The idea was to show how much of an impact the music
would have on a next door neighbour’s quality of life.
The stand also had noise monitoring equipment, with
staff offering advice and guidance on acceptable levels
of noise.
At WWHA noise is always one the top four categories of
complaints received.
Jan Fox, Senior Tenancy Enforcement Officer, said: “It’s
important for residents to be considerate towards their
neighbours and not interfere with the peaceful
enjoyment of another person’s home. We work with
Environmental Health Departments in each local
authority area where we have properties and will take
positive action
wherever noise
nuisance is found to
be a problem”.
Member’s News
Dispersal OrdersCross Keys Homes has several dispersal orders in
Peterborough on its housing estates.They have all been
as a result of multi agency agreement with the police.
Two of our dispersal orders involved large numbers of
young people gathering outside a small row of local
shops, with flats above and houses very close by. Calls
for service to the police were high due to verbal abuse,
noise nuisance and generally disrespectful behaviour.
After the dispersal order took effect, it did require a
good deal of police commitment. Some trouble has
been reported outside the dispersal zone, which is a
side effect of
the order
boundary.
Like to knowmore then contact:
Joan Tibbs 01733 385097
Like to knowmore then contact:
Sharon Lee, Assistant Director
(Support Services) 0800 052 2526
14
Derby’sfamily
interventionprojectThe Family Intervention Project,
run by Derby Homes and Derby
Community Safety Partnership
began in July and it aims to work
throughout the city with people in
all housing types.
The grant of over £200,000 has
been made available through the
Government’s Family Intervention
Programme,which is designed to
tackle anti-social behaviour.
Families at risk of eviction will be
selected to take part and when
they sign up they will be expected
to adhere to boundaries given to
them. They will have access to
courses, specialist help and a case
worker who will co-ordinate
support and observe behaviour.
The families may also be re-
housed as part of the scheme and
monitored to make sure they are
sticking to their programme and
the rules they have to abide by.
Maria Murphy, Director of Housing
and Customer Service said:“This
programme represents a last
chance for families causing anti-
social behaviour who are at risk of
formal action against their home.
One of the aims of the service is to
provide sustainable routes back to
settled housing and keep the
family unit together. We will be
monitoring progress closely to
make sure we are achieving this.”
Member’s News
PoliceCommander’scommendationsThree members of Sovereign staff
have received commendations from
Thames Valley Police Commander
Richard Bennett for their work on a
very long-running and difficult anti-
social behaviour case.
Jill Povall, Rianna Lynskey and
Rebecca Horne acted quickly to get
an injunction to stop private owners
from Thatcham, Berkshire, from going
near a Sovereign resident’s home and
their family following a series of
serious threats and after a car was
outside their house. The injunction
with power of arrest was granted
without notice and was in place just
three days after the incident.
Jill Povall said “It was worth all the
hard work to stop the terrible
harassment of our residents and their
family. It would not have been
possible if the witnesses hadn’t been
so courageous and willing to stand
up in court.”
Over a period of 18 months, the staff
members and the residents
persevered and showed that bullies
cannot be allowed to succeed in
intimidating others. There have been
no further incidents since the ASBOs
were granted.
Like to know more then contact:
Maria Murphy 01332 711012
The LHEEG of Housing AssociationsTwo years ago, a collaboration of the large housing associations in Liverpool
came together to use their influence to deliver a more effective service. This
included dealing with anti-social behaviour by sharing good practice,
improving efficiency, increasing productivity and promoting innovation.
Known as Liverpool Housing Excellence and Efficiency Group (LHEEG), it
consists of Arena Homes, CDS Housing, Riverside Group, South Liverpool
Housing, Cosmopolitan Housing Association,Maritime Housing and LHT.
In the last two years, they have worked together on projects and hotspots
including joint covert surveillance, sharing policies and procedures as
benchmarks, RIPPA training and sharing experiences on demotion cases.
Members of LHEEG have also worked closely with South Liverpool Housing to
train staff to become fully trained mediators.
The LHEEG has provided an excellent opportunity for the members to share
and collaborate on the Respect Agenda including working on and delivering
the Good Neighbour Agreements. A Good Neighbour Agreement that was
created and launched in June 2007 in the Sefton Park andWavertree areas of
the city and is currently being rolled out to all members of the community.
In the future, they are intending to investigate the cost of the legal services
each member uses and work together in striding for value for money. Other
strategies that will be reviewed include domestic violence and racial
harassment, together with developing communications with specialised
partner agencies and support networks in the area.
15
Member’s News
Ten Year ASBO
In partnership with Devon and
Cornwall Police, Plymouth County
Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Unit has
obtained a 10 year ASBO against a man
from the Manchester area that excludes
him the whole of Devon and Cornwall.
Evidence indicated, primarily from the
Police that he had no business in
Plymouth except to further establish
and facilitate the supply of drugs into
the city from sources in the Manchester
area.
There was substantial police
intelligence detailing incidents,many of
them drug related, in which the
Defendant had been either directly
involved or present, including two
murders.
He was also frequently stopped and
found to be in possession of large sums
of cash, often several thousand pounds.
Between February 2006 and March
2007 Police seized almost £23000 from
him.
This case was put on the basis of police
intelligence information, previous
convictions, current and ongoing
criminal proceedings and the person’s
lack of any connection to the Plymouth
area.
All four of the witnesses were police
officers and the paperwork (documents
and statements) amounted to 27 pages.
One aspect of this case was the pattern
of massive increases in the volume of
complaints of anti-social behaviour in
council properties in which the person
turned up.
His modus operadi was to prey on
vulnerable, usually drug addicted
tenants, in order to operate from their
premises.
Nuisance tenantevicted
Our client association evicted a tenant after months of sustained anti-
social behaviour which caused untold misery to residents.
Initially, the association was granted without notice, an injunction
following parties which were regularly held on Friday nights. The
application was made following one particularly alarming gathering
whereby a fight broke out in the communal areas causing injury to
those involved.
Before the case came back before the Court, the association issued a
Warrant of Possession in relation to separate rent arrears proceedings.
This followed the granting by the court of a Postponed Possession Order
where the association had applied for and been given a date for
possession.
By the time it came to the execution of theWarrant, all the arrears had
been paid off. The Defendant made an application to suspend the
Warrant and our association opposed this due to the anti-social
behaviour which she was causing in line with the case of Sheffield City
Council -v- Hopkins.
The rent arrears case and the injunction proceedings case were consol-
idated. The Judge did not hesitate in ordering that theWarrant should
not be suspended and that the eviction should proceed. He also
granted an injunction which excludes the Defendant from the
development where she still lives.
Dot Pawlowski of Cobbetts said : “This was an excellent result for
neighbours who had had to endure continuous anti-social behaviour
from the Defendant who simply did not accept that she was doing
anything wrong.”
She added that where social landlords have a suspended Possession
Order that in certain circumstances they can apply for possession in
simple trespass proceedings following the case of London and Quadrant
Housing Trust -v- Ansell. In the Ansell case, there was a suspended
Possession Order which could not be enforced as, somewhere along the
line, the Defendant had cleared her rent arrears and the Order
specifically stated that when the Defendant had paid the total amount,
the Housing Trust would not be able to take any steps to evict the
Defendant. The Housing Trust therefore sought possession on the
grounds that the Defendant occupied her property as a trespasser: as
this was a suspended Possession Order
the Defendant was in fact a trespasser
from the date that the Order had been
made.
Like to knowmore then contact:
Yetunde Dania, Cobbetts
0845 404 2404
16
Member’s News
Landmark case inHackney
Following a landmark case at the Thames Magistrates Court police
applying for crack house closure orders should now be able to use Ion
Track Itemiser Screening Devices to enforce drug-free social housing
tenancy agreements. This is the first time that magistrates have accepted
physical evidence collected by an ion device, in addition to oral testimony,
to support a crack house closure order.
Following complaints from Hackney residents about drugs being used on
a local premise, Brian Doran, the head of Mouchel Parkman’s anti-social
behaviour (ASB) team – working in partnership with ALMO Hackney
Homes – accompanied local police officers on a door-to-door visit to
collect impact statements. To support these testimonies, the Behaviour
Safer Neighbourhood Police Team,working with Hackney Homes’
Operation Crackdown, the Hackney Drug Action Team (DAT) and Hackney
Community Safety Team, used the Ion Track Itemiser 3, currently being
piloted, to support the crack house closure order application.
Inspector Jonathan Clinch of the Hackney Community Safety Team said :
“The interesting aspect of this case was that the Ion Track Itemiser
detected five high readings for class A controlled drugs from areas within
the premises. This evidence was accepted by the defence. This is the first
time such evidence has been tendered at Thames court to support such a
closure.”
Brian Doran said: “Being able to use the evidence from an ion track
itemiser, alongside oral evidence,will make a great difference in driving
drug dealing out of social housing in Hackney.”
The work of Brian Doran’s ASB team within Hackney Homes has been
recognised many times for its pioneering initiatives in the community
having previously collaborated with the police to close a nuisance
nightclub using the little-known Section 222 of the 1972 Local
Government Act and applying acceptable behaviour agreements,
commonly used in the
housing sector, to mental
health patients.
Respect and
ASB –What’s it
all about?The Dane Housing Group
organised a residents’
conference to raise
awareness of the Respect
agenda and demonstrate
how the multi-agency
approach in action can
reap benefits for its
neighbourhoods.
The day was chaired by
their Chief Executive, Anne
Ward (pictured left)who gave an overview of
some of the issues faced by agencies across the
Borough. Glynn Chambers, Chair of Congleton
Community Safety Partnership, gave an
introduction on how the Respect agenda was
being embraced by the range of agencies
under the partnership umbrella.
Residents enjoyed a range of interactive
workshops which looked at the subject of
Respect and ASB from different perspectives,
and provoked much debate.
The workshops were :-
Anti-Social Behaviour and Remedies for
Tackling it
Working with families to reduce ASB
The Respect Standard for Housing
Management
Working positively with Young People
Tony Kiely, said : “All the workshops were
extremely well received by residents, with
many commenting that they were very
thought provoking. They gave comfort in
demonstrating that agencies do actually speak
to each other to effect solutions for tackling
disrespectful and anti-social behaviour. We
shall be repeating this event in the future to
keep residents updated and maintain the
profile of Respect and ASB in the public eye.”
Like to knowmore then contact:
Gill King, 01260 [email protected]
Like to knowmore then contact:
Melanie Bright 07792694088
£1,000 towards CrimePrevention
Chelmer Housing Partnership Charitable Trust (CHP) has awarded
£1,000 to Essex Police to pay for a crime prevention initiative. This
money will be used to fund pursechains which will be distributed
to the elderly in Chelmsford. In response to recent thefts of purses
and wallets in the town, the Police plan to initiate a scheme
whereby 3,000 chains are distributed to elderly residents at CHP
sheltered scheme coffee mornings and outside Post Offices.
17
News
Landlords face prosecutionHampshire Constabulary has sent out clear
advice and guidance to property managers
and landlords who rent out private
accommodation.
Following the increasing number of rented
properties across the two counties being used for
the production of illegal drugs, the force has
produced a “landlord’s guide”, explaining that
property managers have a duty to report any suspicious drug
activity to police, or face the prospect of prosecution
themselves.
The A5 booklet entitled “Don’t, Turn a Blind Eye - A landlord’s
guide to keeping illegal drugs out of rented property,” has
already been emailed to letting agents and housing
associations across the two counties.
The publication includes advice and guidance, and highlights
the signs to look out for if you suspect a cannabis factory or
chemical drugs laboratory has been established at a property.
Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, a landlord/property
manager can receive a maximum of 14 years in prison and/or a
fine, if they turn a blind eye and allow the production of
controlled drugs to take place in rented accommodation.
Operation Blue RibbonA new approach to cutting crime and
anti-social behaviour is keeping offenders
on the back foot in Coventry.
A series of multi-agency impact days are being
staged around the city to not just arrest key
offenders - but also to extend the effects of
removing offenders from a neighbourhood with
partnership crackdowns in the following days and
weeks.
The 'crackdown and consolidation' approach
combines in-depth partnership working with
strong branding and community involvement.
The approach sees an initial strike day and follow-
up operations run on randomly chosen dates. As
the project continues, on-the-street operations
become less intensive, but, with snappy marketing
and the support of residents, the same high
impact results are seen.
The first operation was held in the Foleshill area of
Coventry.The initial strike day brought 23 arrests
and the seizure of crack cocaine and 24 vehicles as
well as test purchase operations at off-licenses, fire
safety checks at residents' homes and dozens of
visits to residents demanding fly-tipped rubbish
be removed. Issues around ASB were tackled in a
number of ways with joint visits by the Police,
Social Landlords and ASB officer and action plans
being drawn up by Social Landlords containing
what they could contribute to the initiative. The
operation also consulted young people in the area
through outreach work and schools to identify
their issues and concerns. Drug and Alcohol
service providers, as well as local volunteers, were
also out on the day to offer support, advice and
guidance. Two follow-up impact days in Foleshill
have also been run.
The initiative was branded as 'Operation Blue
Ribbon', recognising the history of the local area,
with leaflets, posters and media attention to raise
public recognition over the life of the scheme and
improve public reassurance in local agencies.
Further operations following a similar approach
are planned for other hotspots areas in the city.
New Skills for Anti-SocialBehaviour OfficersAnti-social behaviour officers will have new skills after
completing a course designed specifically to address the
professional needs they require.
The pilot scheme, commissioned by Birmingham Anti-Social
Behaviour Unit, was introduced at the University of Birmingham
as a result of specific research into the training needs of anti-
social behaviour officers in the Midlands.
"We are delighted that in providing this programme we have
made a significant contribution to protecting local
communities," said Alison Paris, Director of Professional Practice
Development in the Institute of Applied Social Sciences.
The course included contributions from the RESPECT task force
with substantial legal input to support ASB Officers in their
work with victims and witnesses. Alison Parsons, Head of
Birmingham Anti-Social Behaviour Unit said: "Feedback has
been really positive.The course has enhanced their knowledge
and capacity to offer a service that really meets community
needs." The first programme proved so successful it will be
repeated this year for students
from across England.Like to know more then contact:
Anna Mitchell 07920 593946
Like to knowmore then contact:
Inspector Mandy Mason 0845 1135000
18
Residents honouredfor taking a stand
Bolton at Home residents have been honoured for their
courageous stand against anti-social behaviour.
The awards were presented by Noel Spencer, chair
of Bolton at Home, in recognition of the courage
and commitment of residents in standing up to
problem neighbours.
Acknowledging the award winners’ bravery and
fortitude Noel Spencer said:“Each of the individuals
awarded today has shown exceptional strength of
character and determination in taking a stand
against nuisance neighbours. Bolton at Home is
committed to supporting residents who have
suffered from anti-social behaviour and I hope the
examples we have seen today will encourage others
to come forward and take a stand”.
Faced with persistent intimidation and threats the
residents, supported by Bolton at Home, gathered
detailed
evidence of the
perpetrator’s
actions.The
evidence was
then backed
up by
statements and
attendance at
court resulting in eviction orders against all the
nuisance neighbours.
The award winners have already received
recognition in the national ‘Taking a Stand’Awards
earlier this year. Bolton’s ‘Taking a Stand’Awards
were established last year and are part of the
broader cross-Government Respect strategy
established to tackle anti-social behaviour and
nurture good
behaviour.
Like to knowmore then contact:
Mark Murphy 01204 335529
Member’s News
High Court clarifies law
on extending ASBO’sIn July, the High Court handed down judgement in the
case of Leeds City Council v RG, a case on the question
‘can an ASBO be varied so as to extend the length of it?’
The original ASBO had been made in September 2004 for
two years. It was due to expire and Leeds City Council
applied for a variation of the order inviting the
Magistrates to extend it.
Leeds Magistrates heard argument on whether they had
the power to extend an order. RG contended that
variation meant a change to the terms of the order but
not extension. The Court decided that variation did not
have the same meaning as extension, and so refused the
Council's application. The Council challenged that
decision and the question posed for the High Court was
"did the Court have power pursuant to Section 1(8) to
vary by extending the duration of an Anti-Social
Behaviour Order made pursuant to Section 1(1) of the
Crime and Disorder Act 1998?".
Before the High Court, Leeds argued that the duration of
the order was as much a term as any of the prohibitions.
The Council relied on the decision of the High Court in
DPP v Hall, where the Court considered the Protection
from Harassment Act 1997 and held that it did permit an
extension, as the duration of the Order was a term just
like any other term.
Before the High Court, RG argued that the Council should
apply for a new ASBO which would involve safeguards
such as consultation and rights of appeal.
The Court were persuaded that the word varied in the
ASBO context should be viewed in the same way as in
DPP v Hall. The High Court was not persuaded by RG's
argument, though it was concerned that there was no
right of appeal from a variation. However, they felt that
the Defendant was protected because an application to
vary can only succeed if the applying Authority puts
before the Magistrates material which justifies the
extension as necessary. The High Court also stated that
in the case of an application to vary the length of the
order, the authority would need to persuade the
Magistrates that it was appropriate to vary the length of
an existing ASBO, rather than making an application for a
new one.
19
Member’s News
Taking to the streetsAs part of Tameside’s Crime & Disorder Reduction
Partnership, New Charter recognises the importance of
joint working. Talking to local people, it was clear that
issues such as youth nuisance and noisy neighbours
cause many problems on their estates, often outside
normal ‘office hours’. So they set up joint walkabouts
with Tenancy Enforcement Officers, the Police and
Tameside Patrollers.
The aim is to provide a high-visibility joint presence on
the estates in the evenings, and reassure the public that
they take their concerns seriously.This is a very proactive
way of working and means that any breaches of tenancy
seen can either be dealt with immediately, or acted on
later. It doesn’t take long for the word to go round that
they are in the neighbourhood. The walkabouts prove
very popular with tenants who say that they find the
presence very reassuring.
Week of ActionTo show its commitment to the area, the new
Sheffield landlord, Acis Group coordinated a week
of action on the Lower Manor Estate, supported by
the Safer Neighbourhood officer, South Yorkshire
Police, Fire and Rescue Service and Neighbourhood
Wardens.
A door knocking exercise was undertaken to
complete a ‘Getting to Know You’ questionnaire
with every Acis resident to find out the residents
views and how Acis and other agencies can help
residents live in a pleasant and desirable
neighbourhood. Over 60% of these were
completed and they showed that the major
concern was youths loitering on the estate causing
fear to the locals and the nuisance caused by
motorbikes around the estate
Some of the other action that took place was:
� PCSOs provided home security advice and
handed out UV pens to mark property and help
conduct a truancy sweep.
� 40 children were taken back to school over three
days on the truancy sweep.
� Fire Service provided fire risk assessments.
There was a deep clean of the streets on the estate
and 12 tonnes of rubbish was removed.
The week of action was deemed a great success by
the local residents. Dot Duroe,Treasurer for the
local TARA said “I think it was a good thing, it was
great to see all the agencies working together and
knocking on peoples doors asking about the issues
round here.The residents felt reassured by this and
feel safer, but we would like to see this happen
more often. People are taking more pride in the
area since it was cleaned up and to take ownership
of the area.”
Celebrating Local HeroesBirmingham City Council celebrated the work and efforts of
local people across the city who have helped make a real
difference in their communities and have taken a stand
against vandals and noisy neighbours.
This year the City’s residents topped the list of winners at
the National Taking a Stand Awards in April with an
amazing thirteen individuals and groups across the city
being recognised for their efforts in making their
communities safer. Eleven individuals and groups were
also highly commended.
The ‘Taking a Stand Awards’ supported by Crime Concern
and the Co-op is now in its fourth year as part of the
Government’s Respect Agenda.
On Friday 6 July, Lord Mayor, Councillor Randal Brew hosted
a reception at the Council House for all Birmingham award
winners and those who were nominated for the national
ceremony. All winners received £1,000 in prize money
which can be spent on making improvements to their local
area.
Councillor Brew who presented certificates to the
nominees, said:“I am delighted to see that so many
Birmingham residents have been acknowledged for their
hard work and commitment to tackling anti-social
behaviour in their communities. The council, police and
agencies need the help and support of individuals and
groups and there are many examples of residents standing
up and saying enough is enough.”
Cllr Ayoub Khan, cabinet member for Local Services and
Community Safety, added:“We will continue to work with
the police, residents and our partner agencies to ensure
that local people are given the support they need to tackle
any problems within their communities”
20
Aiming to lead theway in diversity
South Essex Homes was the first ALMO to pilot a new
perception survey of its staff to understand its strengths and
areas for development.
Chief Executive,Mike Gatrell, explained: “Like many organi-
sations we have invested in equality training, but when the
Audit Commission asked us how we evaluated its effectiveness,
it got us thinking.”
The new survey was designed by The Communication
Challenge Limited and used a diagnostic process called
index360© with a cross section of staff, including those not
office based. The process was quick and easy to ensure no
disruption to operational services.
“We were strong on leadership and commitment”, but Mike
Gatrell admitted that they need to do more on action planning
and implementation.“These days when you have to prove that
what you are doing is hitting the mark, it makes sense to check
out that our training is delivering.Too many organisations just
take a tick box approach; we wanted to make sure our training
was cost-effective”.
Member’s News
Back to schoolLocal school children
got to grips with the
ins and outs of anti-
social behaviour at a
special series of
workshops run by New
Progress Housing
Association.
Southlands High
School in Chorley
invited the housing
association to deliver a number of workshops as part of the Year
10 students’ Personal Development course.
The course was designed by association staff and the school to
help students understand the challenges facing them once they
leave home. It covered topics such as budgeting, rent arrears,
dealing with anti-social behaviour, and living responsibly in the
community. The course proved so popular with students that it
will now be rolled out
across Chorley and South
Ribble at other schools.
Like to knowmore then contact:
Nykkie Berry 01772 450852
21
The information, opinions and conclusions expressed in Nuisance News are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent those of the Social Landlords Crime and Nuisance Group Ltd
Make sure that you shareyour news with usThis is your newsletter and why not ensure that you
share your news on how your organisation is handling
many of the complex issues of anti-social behaviour.
Why not tell us about your new innovations, your
success stories, feedback from your communities - just
to name a few.
What we need is:-
� Articles, ideally around 200 to 300 words in length
� High quality copy of your logo (If you are not sure or
speak to the person who handles your publicity)
� Photographs, where applicable, that support your
articles. Any photographs need to be high quality to
ensure they can be reproduced.
� You contact details if you would like other members
to be able to contact you for more details.
Next Issue & Deadline
The next issue will to be distributed by the 1st
December. The deadline for all articles is 20th
October - items received after this date are unlikely
to be included. Due to space restrictions, articles
received early will take priority. Please email articles,
logos and photographs to:-
SLCNGEd
itorialservices
anddesignbyGlennMarke
ting01
2155
573
10
Your views on Nuisance NewsIn the last issue of Nuisance News we asked you for your
comments on the new style and format. Below are a
couple of comments we received:
"The majority of decisions made in the county court do
not get formally reported but cases heard at this level
are regularly reported in Nuisance News. It is an
invaluable publication for members to find out what
innovative approaches other social landlords and
partnering organisations are adopting to combat anti-
social behaviour.The new layout means it is much easier
to find articles of interest. Yetunde Dania, Partner,
Cobbetts
In response to your question, the new format is more
colourful, funky and more inviting to read than the old
red and white outline, which was a little uninviting. Hope
the new format proves to be a big hit with your
readership! Jane Johnston, LCMS,Oxford Chambers
Feedback from staff on the new style of the magazine is
very positive including comments from our Chief
Exeecutive.Views are that it is now very attractive, up to
date and eye catching and staff are taking more time to
read it. Louise Harding, Coast & Country Housing
Through talking to members over the phone the general
opinion is that you like the new style. If you have any
thoughts or suggestions for future issue please let us
know.
Thank you to David Glenn and his team at Glenn Marketing
for all the advice and assistance they have given.
Sharon Mackley,Support Services Manager, SLCNG
A warm welcome toour newmembersWe plan to make this section that welcomes our latest
members a regular feature in forthcoming issues.
On behalf of the membership I would like to warmly
welcome the following organisations to our group.
North Norfolk Housing Trust
East Midlands Housing Association
Moseley & District Housing Association
Shepherds Bush Housing Association
Stockport Homes
The Riverside Group
Three Rivers District Council
Town & Country Housing Group
Welcome to all of you.
Sharon Mackley, Support Services Manager
ocial LandlordsCrime and Nuisance Group
Do you know of colleagues in RSL’s and LA’s in
your area that are not members of The Social
Landlords Crime and Nuisance Group.
Then, if so, why not drop an email to Sharon with
their details. We can then send them a copy of
Nuisance News and details of how they can
benefit from membership.
We wait to hear from you - thanks.
Don’t keep it to yourself
22
Our Sponsor
Partnering deal struckwith legal firmWhiteheadsWe are pleased to announce the signing of a partnering
deal with the leading firm of solicitors,Whiteheads.
The agreement was signed at the CIH conference at
Harrogate in June. Chair of the Directors, Roger Griffiths
said: “This represents a significant step forward for
SLCNG.Not only will Whiteheads be supporting us
financially but they will be providing support to our
training programme.Through Law Club Limited they
will also be able to offer significant discounts on
in-house training for SLCNG members”
The agreement is initially for three years, which we
expect to be a period of significant growth for SLCNG.
This move reflects the Directors commitment to
expand the range of services for its members while
retaining the pre-eminent national position that SLCNG
enjoys.
Whiteheads is one of the leading firms of solicitors
specialising in advising on cases of anti-social
behaviour and they already work with many of our
members.
Benefits of Law ClubLimitedAs part of our commitment to working in partnership
with SLCNG,Whiteheads is able to offer the services of
Law Club Ltd to the SLCNG membership.
Law Club is a ‘members only’ sister company of
Whiteheads that offers training, development and
support services to the housing sector.
In addition to delivering courses that have been
designed with and for housing professionals, there are
several other services that Law Club can offer to
SLCNG’s members.
Training Needs Analysis
offered for free to ensure members are able to
identify gaps and maximise their training budgets
Conferences
members can receive discounts on attendance on a
first come first served basis at all Law Club events
Lunch seminars
sessions with legal and housing practitioners aimed
at developing and sharing good practice
Newsletters and legal updates
circulated free of charge to all members to keep
them up-to-date on changes to legislation and case
law
Consultancy services
working with expert practitioners in the housing
sector to help social landlords achieve excellence in
service delivery
In addition to the above services,members can also
have access to other benefits fromWhiteheads
Solicitors – this includes free case consultations and
free telephone and email advice on general matters.
If you would like any advice please get in touch on
Whiteheads Solicitors was
established in 1992 by Peter
Whitehead as one of the first
legal practices in the UK to
specialise solely in Social
Housing law.
Prior to founding the firm,
Peter, who is currently the
firm's Principal, was a partner at one of Manchester's
top generalist law firms before he decided to
dedicate his time to growing a business that
specialised in housing law.
Whiteheads is a specialist firm dedicated to serving
the Social Housing community. It has over 14 years'
experience of working with social landlords, local
authorities and police forces across the UK providing
the best service and expertise available.
23
For further information or to arrange a demonstration please contact us:
ReACT is a cost effective comprehensive anti-socialbehaviour database designed specifically forall social housing landlords
ReACT keeps detailed information about all aspects of incidents and complaints
ReACT has full case management with user defined target dates
ReACT will produce detailed reports and analyses
ReACT records both internal and external costs of dealing with cases
ReACT can be accessed externally and has a powerful search facility
ReACT is fully password protected and has a full audit trail
ReACT has an optional mapping module
ReACT is menu driven and user friendly
ReACT requires Microsoft SQL Server 2000
ReACT is browser based, supports remote access andmobile working and can be hosted
Social housing landlords are expected to take positiveaction to deal effectively with all forms of anti-socialbehaviour. ReACT has been developed to recordincidents and complaints, to manage work flow and produce essential reports.
For further information or to arrange a demonstration ofReACT or ReSPONSE please contact us:
A recording,reporting andmonitoring systemfor neighbourhood wardens using pocket pc’s.
ReSPONSE
ReACTThe browser based Anti-Social Behaviour Recording System
using the latest .net technology
EBS is pleased to support:
Tel: 0121 384 2513Email: [email protected] Web: www.e-b-s.co.uk
Electronic Business Systems Ltd. 852 Tyburn Road, Birmingham, West Midlands B24 9NT.