ocial Landlords Crime and Nuisance Group
nuisance news The quarterly newsletter of the Social Landlords Crime and Nuisance Group
This issue
Issue 43
Sep 2007
This issue includes articles from
Good business for SLCNG at Harrogate
the following members:-
Any members visiting our stand
Acis Group
at the CIH conference at
Anthony Collins Solicitors Birmingham City Council Bolton at Home Calico HA Camden Council Chelmer HA Cherwell HA
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
Coast & Country Housing
experts from Whiteheads on hand to give free advice to our visitors – a good
Cobbetts
sign for future cooperation between our two organisations! Plans are already
Colchester Borough Homes
in hand to have a better (but not bigger!) stand for 2008.
Communities & Local Government
Many useful contacts were made and a great deal of follow-up work is in
Cross Keys Homes
hand to try to turn those contacts into membership applications. We also had
Dane Housing Group
the chance to talk to colleagues from Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and
Derby Homes
New Zealand.
Drum HA
Peter Jackson was invited to chair a conference session on the subject of the
Hampshire Constabulary
SLCNG/Housemark Toolkit with presentations from Steve Osborne
Harvest Housing Group Helena Housing HouseMark KLEEG Mouchel Parkman New Charter HA
(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.
New Progress HA
As a result of some hard work with our web designers, visitors to the stand
Pennine Housing 2000
had a preview of our new website – which we expect to be up and running in
Plymouth County Council
September.
South Essex Homes
Our new version of Nuisance News attracted much favourable comment.
Sovereign HA
The print-run was increased by 50% in anticipation of the extra demand.
University of Birmingham
It seemed that hardly any delegate left the conference without a copy!
Wales and West HA
As always, excellent networking took place with existing and potential
West Midlands Police
partners, including TPAS, CIH, Housemark, Tribal and CSHS.
Whiteheads Worcester Community HA
Everyone involved with the stand was relieved to see out the week, but we’re all looking forward to 2008!
Editorial
Louise, where art thou? 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.
Overshadowed as it was by the sad news about Tim Winter, 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
Currently tucked away in the Young People
Claudia Webbe (Vice Chair of Operation Trident Advisory Group)
Directorate of the department for children,
closing the conference.
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…
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
“continue to work across government
landlords to “fly the flag” on parenting services, suggesting that
departments and with local agencies to
the investment in parenting by landlords made good business
deliver on and embed the Respect Action
sense. In addition, he thought that parenting classes should be as
Plan - driving through action to support
common as ante-natal classes.
good behaviour and challenge bad, and empowering local communities to do the same”
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
as the Task Force website proclaims.
that the pressures on children’s services needed to be
Clearly, we all need to work harder to ensure
understood by the Task Force. From the floor, Ruth Cartwright
that the necessary intervention and support is
(BASW) made a plea for housing to work with children’s services
in place so that the root causes of anti-social
but recognised the need to combine enforcement with support.
behaviour can be tackled. Given Louise’s
A theme for 2008 was suggested by David Butler (CIH Chief
energy and commitment, she will not stint in
Executive) - all delegates should bring someone from a partner
her efforts to bring those results about.
agency! Perhaps this is an issue that warrants a dedicated
In the meantime those of us who have aligned
conference to help open up the communication channels?
with the philosophy of the Respect Agenda
Claudia spoke passionately about the scourge of gun crime in
and are busy implementing the Respect
London, with first hand experience of working with communities
Standard would like some reassurance about
and the effects on both victims and perpetrators.
the fate of one of our key partners at the heart
She made a plea for social landlords to do more to encourage
of Government.
community partnerships and to provide better support for
Peter Jackson
victims and witnesses.
Managing Director
More details of the work of Trident can be found on the website
SLCNG July 2007
2
Conference calls for better collaboration between agencies
www.stoptheguns.org
SLCNG
The performance improvement toolkit for Landlords
ocial Landlords Crime and Nuisance Group
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, interpretation 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 nonprescriptive 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.
ASB and Respect Workshops 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 nonsubscribing 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 ÂŁ125 plus VAT for HouseMark and SLCNG subscribers. How to book Contact Louise at Right Location: Phone: 0870 3000878 e-mail: housemark@right-location.co.uk
3
Member’s News
Police Community Support Officers sponsored
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
Four Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) have
its causes, we can make a real difference to our tenants
been sponsored by Pennine Housing 2000 and are now
and the wider community. Sponsoring the PCSO’s
getting involved with communities on their estates.
demonstrates our commitment to this and sends out a
Although they have policing powers, their role is not to
clear signal that we will work to uphold certain standards
take over as police officers, but to be additional support
of respect and behaviour, to the benefit of all. However
for the community reducing the fear of crime and
this cannot be done in isolation and we do rely on
improving community safety.
working in partnership with key agencies and organi-
PCSOs have a number of roles, most important of
sations in Calderdale, such as the Police, Calderdale
which is to be there for tenants and residents and
Council, the Probation Service and other registered
provide advice and follow-up any problems they may
social landlords."
Geoff Killerby 01422 231007
be experiencing.
4
Like to know more then contact:
Anti-Social Behaviour injunction with power of arrest
gang members) WCH teamed up with local Police to
Worcester Community Housing (WCH) has successfully
Social Behaviour Order. On top of the 3 year injunction,
obtained a three year Anti-Social Behaviour Injunction
WCH has successfully placed a 12 month injunction on
with power of arrest.
the tenant whose home the gang used as a base.
The injunction sees a local youth, who is the ring leader
WCH Community Safety Manager Bruce Mourby said:
of a gang who regularly intimidate residents, cause
“This work has brought a complete change to the
criminal damage and take part in shoplifting sprees,
estate, the community feels safe and the action has sent
banned from the whole of a Worcester estate.
a strong message to others who operated on the edge
The ASB injunction came as a result of some excellent
of this group that we will, and do work in partnership to
partnership working. Faced with the problem of
tackle acts of ASB
obtaining evidence (local people would not give
which affect our
statements or give evidence against him or any of the
communities.”
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-
Like to know more then contact:
Bruce Mourby 01905 670237
Book Review
Back on track - a good practice guide to addressing anti-social behaviour Shelter 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”.
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 Antisocial 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
This lightweight report is a curious mixture of legal
Anti-Social Behaviour and Social Housing Conference 2007 THE Conference for Local Authority and RSL Managers, Case Workers and Legal Advisers LONDON Tuesday 30th October 2007 The Hatton Conference Centre, London EC1N
Fee £295 + VAT
Special Offer THIRD AND SUBSEQUENT DELEGATES HALF PRICE* (*see booking form)
Find out all the latest on: I Evidence in ASB cases I How to make best use of the Civil Courts I How to make best use of the Criminal Courts I The use of Demoted Tenancies and Possession Proceedings in ASB cases I Policy Guidance I Forthcoming changes you need to plan for
Speakers I
I
I
I
I
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
Book now or obtain full programme at www.limelegal.co.uk Tel 01249 701555
Fax 01249 701666
Email info@limelegal.co.uk
www.limelegal.co.uk
5
Member’s News
Who says that all we do is enforce ? Life transformed by 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.
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.
Cathy Bennett, Community Safety Manager for Partington
Confidence has grown
Housing Association said:“Leigh’s story illustrates how
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.”
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.
6
From crime to an estate caretaker
Like to know more then contact:
Claire Keegan Bird Consultancy 0161 839 4846 ck@birdconsultancy.co.uk
Like to know more then contact:
Caroline King, 01744 675708 Caroline.king@helenahousing.co.uk
Questions & Answers Here is another new regular
following wording would be helpful in the type of letter
feature where you can ask
envisaged:-
Peter Whitehead and fellow
".... Should the kind of matters I have referred to not
colleagues for their advice.
cease the Trust will have no option, but to refer the
Please email questions to
matter to the Court to establish that these breaches have
Sharon Mackley.
taken place which may ultimately result in the Trust re-possessing the Property and ending the Lease without
I have in the past written advising
compensation".
leaseholders that should they or their tenants
I believe that such a letter would also fall within the
not cease causing ASB I will use the Law of
requirements of the Housing Corporations Regulatory
Property Act 1925 (Forfeiture) 3.9 “Include not carry out
Code para. 2.1 and para. 3.5 c) of the guidance.
(or allow anyone living permanently at, or visiting, the
If there are any further enquiries in connection with this
property to carry out) any illegal or immoral act or
matter please do not hesitate to contact me.
anything which might annoy or endanger neighbours or
Peter Whitehead
damage or affect the building�. Further, I have told them
Hello Sharon,
that ultimately legal action can be taken to repossess the
I have a question that I would like circulated
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
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
I understand from you that the Leaseholders
above notices. He advises as follows:
in question are not shared owners, but either
'' In the context of a review, the rule is that a review
original Tenants or those who have taken by
hearing, if one is required, is to be undertaken by
Assignment in respect of Right to Buy Properties.
someone not previously connected to a decision to seek
I have reviewed the Legislation and am now able to
possession who must be senior to that person or
confirm the position in respect of your enquiry.
persons, or words to that effect. As a signatory to the
The Right to serve a Section 146 Notice under the Law of
notices, my view is and always has been that the CEO is
Property Act was significantly restricted in relation to
connected with the decision to seek possession. There is
long Leases of Residential Premises that is Leases which
no other officer of Derby Homes more senior than him.
exceed 21 years.
Therefore, in relation to appeals hearings, any other
Under Section 168 of the Act a Landlord may not serve a
officer of Derby Homes who conducts that process leaves
Notice under Section 146 of the Law of Property Act
the status of those proceedings as
1925, (that is the Notice that relates to Forfeiture) in
voidable/challengeable.''
respect of a breach of a covenant or condition unless the
My question is has anyone else come across this issue? If
following is satisfied:-
yes, what have they done, who signs the NOPPs/NOSPs.
a) The fact of the breach has been proven in an
Carrie Bria , Neighbourhood Safety Team Manager Derby Homes
Application to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal; or b) The Tenant has admitted the breach; or
The answer is an ASB officer ( or senior ASB
c) A Court or other Tribunal has judged that the breach
officer). I think you probably need to alter your
has occurred. Accordingly, it seems to me, that any written warning to a
scheme of delegation to push decision- making
Tenant ought to clearly make reference to the
down.....a CEO should not be involved in this level of
requirement for such an Application to be made before
casework!
Forfeiture proceedings can commence. It may be that the
Guy Valentine-Neale, Area Manager, Southwark Council
7
Member’s News
Residents feel safer A gang of youths who terrorised members of the public in Camden Town with their aggressive drug dealing and
Drum teaches respect
fighting in the streets have been given Anti-Social
Drum Housing Association has been working with the
Behaviour Orders.
Children’s Safety Education Foundation (CSEF) to
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 :
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
Entering a certain area of Camden Town
lesson plans to two secondary schools and is planning
Being verbally abusive or offensive towards any
to provide the resources in a further four. The books
person, or encouraging or inciting any other person to
are user friendly and cover many subjects from
do so
anti-social behaviour to staying safe. The messages to
Being in the company of no more than two people,
the children are emphasised by using real life reports
who cannot be named for legal reasons, within
from newspaper articles.
Camden except when involved in specific youth
Petra Norris, Housing
projects and supervised by an authorised youth
Manager at Drum, meets
worker or volunteer.
the pupils to present the books and explain why
In partnership with Camden Police, Camden Council felt
Drum is providing them.
it necessary to obtain the ASBOs to prevent any further
Drum feels that by providing
suffering to members of the public.
these resources it is meeting Police and council staff received frequent complaints
part of its commitment to
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.
alongside the “Respect Standard for Housing Management”. Paul Harvey, Head of Personal, Social and Health
In one of the most serious incidents one of the gang
Education at The Petersfield School said “Topics are
members was seen removing his belt from his trousers
very relevant to young people today”.
and hitting a man several times in the face causing serious injury.
8
work in communities
John McNamee, Chief Executive of CSEF, thanked Drum Housing for their continued support and
Another incident involved a large-scale fight in Camden
commitment. He stressed CSEF’s willingness to
High Street between a group of 30 youths and three
engage with housing associations to assist in
males believed to be over drug dealing territory. CCTV
community development programmes that highlight
footage identified several of the gang members taking
safety issues for
part in the fight.
Like to know more then contact:
children, parents and
Emma Mercer 0207974 6023
the elderly.
Like to know more then contact:
Petra Norris 01730 403005 email pnorris@drumhsg.co.uk
Member’s News
Residents are doing it for themselves Injunction within 24 hours Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP represented Stafford and Rural Homes in their claim for an emergency Injunction against the Defendant, Mr A. Richards following his repeated 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 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
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
Borough Homes (CBH) Community Project Funding
Collins being instructed which shows that immediate
group. They applied for funds that would enable
remedies are available and are powerful tools protecting
them to convert part of the communal garden space
victims of anti-social behaviour.
into a working self sufficient fruit and vegetable
Protecting Staff
garden. The residents worked in partnership with CBH, Colchester Borough Council and received further
When a visitor of a Calico tenant verbally and physically
funding from Essex County Council.
assaulted a member of the Council’s Environmental Health
Working with CBH staff, the green fingered tenants
Team Calico’s specialist ASB Team responded immediately.
submitted a detailed design plan and cost estimate.
After taking a statement from the member of staff, they
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.
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
Gill Thomson, CBH Resident Involvement Manager
tolerance message of violence towards staff.”
said: “The great thing about this project is that it has
Karen Ainsworth, Respect Manager said: “Calico works
been led by the residents. They came up with the
closely with other partner agencies and as far as we are
original idea to help combat anti-social behaviour
concerned an assault on a member of the Council’s staff is
from young people running through the garden and
equal to an assault on a member of our own staff. We will
causing damage to fencing. The funding was then
not tolerate such behaviour and will pursue possession
approved by residents on our ASB work group.
action against anyone carrying out such attacks. Swift
Everyone living in the block now feels real ownership
action and effective working between agencies using the
of the garden and will also benefit from fresh
range of tools and powers available to both RSL’s and
produce”
Councils has meant that we are able to tackle incidents that
Like to know more then contact:
previously would
Like to know more then contact:
Gill Thomson 01206 507897
have been too
Karen Ainsworth 01282 686432
gillian.thomson.cbhomes@colchester.gov.uk
difficult to do”.
kainsworth@calicohousing.co.uk
9
Spotlight on...
Anti-social behaviour and sheltered housing – the myths and the reality
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
10
Over the last year or so, CSHS has received a number of
but has existed for many years.
queries from sheltered housing scheme managers in
Anti-social behaviour is not perpetrated solely by young
relation to anti-social behaviour. Our anti-social
people. Neighbour nuisance for instance is more likely to
behaviour seminars also been very well attended. It is
be carried out by adults and there are many instances
clear that anti-social behaviour issues are increasingly of
including some high profile cases of Anti-Social
concern to people living and working in sheltered
Behaviour Orders (ABSOs) being taken out against
housing.
people in their 50s and 60s.
Why is this?
Scheme manager’s changed role
From feedback received, this increasing concern seems
You will all be aware how significantly the scheme
largely due to the media interest in anti-social behaviour
manager’s role has changed in recent years with an
which has exacerbated the fear of crime as much as
important shift of emphasis doing to facilitating. This
anything amongst sheltered housing residents and staff
change has resulted in scheme managers needing and
alike. However, this is not to overlook the changing
putting into practice a whole variety of skills and
nature of sheltered housing which to some extent has
knowledge, a very long way from the “good neighbour”
resulted in a greater mix of residents from different
role of the past.
generations with different lifestyles and with different
One of the challenges scheme managers face today is to
needs as well as challenges presented by the interaction
recognise (and clarify if necessary with their employer)
of people living within sheltered housing with their local
the extent of their remit and to be clear about where
community.
their role and responsibilities begin and end for both the The increased vulnerability of older
benefit of the service user and themselves. This is true of
residents can make them more
dealing with anti-social behaviour issues.
susceptible to both being victims or
What is important for the scheme manager is to try to
perpetrators of anti-social behaviour
distinguish those situations which merit an anti-social
and eccentric or irregular behaviour
behaviour approach from those where other types of
can often be perceived as anti-social
help and support are more appropriate and, should an
behaviour. The experience of crime
anti-social behaviour solution be necessary, where to go
or the fear of crime and anti-social
for advice and guidance.
Spotlight on ... Not only is it useful for scheme managers to have a
Neighbourhood/
better understanding of what anti-social behaviour is
Scheme Charters,
(and often more importantly what it is not) but also to be
modification to
aware of the housing provider’s role and responsibilities.
accommodation, youth
The types of anti-social behaviour likely to be
and inter-generational
experienced in and around sheltered housing can range
projects have all had
from inter-generational disputes, eccentric behaviour,
some measure of
youth behaviour to noise nuisance, graffiti or vandalism.
success as well as
People have their own individual tolerance levels and
communication and mediation strategies.
what seems to be anti-social behaviour to one person
Housing organisations should also be members of the
may not be considered so by the next.
legally required local Crime and Disorder Reduction
Policies and procedures
Partnership (CDRP) which includes representatives from
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
the police, local authority and voluntary services working together to tackling local crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour
or more persons not of the same household as the
Enforcement
perpetrator'. Your organisation should have its own
Where preventative strategies are not successful and
policies and procedures in relation to anti-social
enforcement is necessary there is a range of more than
behaviour which should include types of behaviour
forty legal powers and remedies which can be used
which will not be tolerated.
other than ASBOs. More information on these can be
Raised awareness
found on the Respect website www.respect.gov.uk.
Government initiatives in addition to the powers
Scheme managers have a very valuable role in
bestowed by the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 have
recognising actual or potential anti-social behaviour and
included the TOGETHER campaign to raise awareness
alerting their organisation to potential problems at an
about anti-social behaviour and the Respect Plan which
early stage. This can maximise the opportunity for
includes a Respect Standard for Housing Management.
finding a relatively easy solution before the problem
This standard is voluntary for social landlords but many
escalates.
will sign up to demonstrate their commitment to
Scheme managers need to be clear and comfortable
tackling anti-social behaviour. The Housing Corporation
with their role and remit in relation to tackling anti-social
has also issued Circular 08/04 to housing associations
behaviour and know when they should seek guidance,
which requires them to have anti-social behaviour
help and advice.
strategies in place.
Good Practice Guide
The Audit Commission also includes, in its Key Lines of
The CSHS Good Practice Guide on Anti-Social Behaviour
Enquiry (KLOE 6), standards relating to the tackling of
and Sheltered Housing which looks at the issues in more
anti-social behaviour.
details and includes a variety of good practice pointers
Preventative Strategies
and case studies will be available August 2007.
Part of an organisation approach to address anti-social
To order a copy contact Mark Chislett,
behaviour is to develop preventative strategies which
mark.chislett@cshs.co.uk.
might include making sure behavioural expectations are
We are also looking at running a new series of seminars
communicated to residents and prospective residents
on anti-social behaviour. For information contact Julian
and are reinforced through the residents’ handbooks,
Everley, julian.everley@cshs.co.uk.
letters, newsletters, leaflets, posters, meetings etc. Community links, Acceptable Behaviour Contracts,
Rebecca Mollart, Deputy Director CSHS www.cshs.co.uk
11
Member’s News
Gordon Brown housing will be one of the key issues 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.
Tenants Respect Conference 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-firstserved 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
What is Section 222 and 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.
Member’s News
Mr ASBO celebrates Respect for New Progress The 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
Partnership work secures 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
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 know more then contact:
Nykkie Berry 01772 450852 nberry@progressgroup.org.uk
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 know more then contact: Laurinda Hornblow 01865 260550
13
Member’s News National Noise Action Week
Two fun events
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!
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!
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.
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
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 Like to know more then contact: wherever noise Sharon Lee, Assistant Director nuisance is found to (Support Services) 0800 052 2526 be a problem”.
Dispersal Orders
for service to the police were high due to verbal abuse, noise nuisance and generally disrespectful behaviour.
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!
Cross 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
14
Wales and West Housing Association (WWHA), in collaboration with Caerphilly Borough Council’s Environmental Health Department and United Welsh Housing Association, distributed Noise Nuisance leaflets to shoppers at Morrison’s in Caerphilly town centre, as part of National Noise Action Week.
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 Like to know more then contact: the order Joan Tibbs 01733 385097 boundary. joan.tibbs@crosskeyshomes.co.uk
Member’s News
Derby’s family intervention project The 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 rehoused 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 antisocial 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.” Like to know more then contact:
Maria Murphy 01332 711012
Police Commander’s commendations Three members of Sovereign staff have received commendations from Thames Valley Police Commander Richard Bennett for their work on a very long-running and difficult antisocial 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.
The LHEEG of Housing Associations Two 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 and Wavertree 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
Nuisance tenant evicted Our client association evicted a tenant after months of sustained antisocial behaviour which caused untold misery to residents.
In partnership with Devon and Cornwall Police, Plymouth County Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Unit has
Initially, the association was granted without notice, an injunction
obtained a 10 year ASBO against a man
following parties which were regularly held on Friday nights. The
from the Manchester area that excludes
application was made following one particularly alarming gathering
him the whole of Devon and Cornwall.
whereby a fight broke out in the communal areas causing injury to
Evidence indicated, primarily from the
those involved.
Police that he had no business in
Before the case came back before the Court, the association issued a
Plymouth except to further establish
Warrant of Possession in relation to separate rent arrears proceedings.
and facilitate the supply of drugs into
This followed the granting by the court of a Postponed Possession Order
the city from sources in the Manchester
where the association had applied for and been given a date for
area.
possession.
There was substantial police
By the time it came to the execution of the Warrant, 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
intelligence detailing incidents, many of them drug related, in which the Defendant had been either directly involved or present, including two
behaviour which she was causing in line with the case of Sheffield City
murders.
Council -v- Hopkins.
He was also frequently stopped and
The rent arrears case and the injunction proceedings case were consol-
found to be in possession of large sums
idated. The Judge did not hesitate in ordering that the Warrant should
of cash, often several thousand pounds.
not be suspended and that the eviction should proceed. He also
Between February 2006 and March
granted an injunction which excludes the Defendant from the
2007 Police seized almost £23000 from
development where she still lives.
him.
Dot Pawlowski of Cobbetts said : “This was an excellent result for
This case was put on the basis of police
neighbours who had had to endure continuous anti-social behaviour from the Defendant who simply did not accept that she was doing anything wrong.”
16
Ten Year ASBO
intelligence information, previous convictions, current and ongoing criminal proceedings and the person’s lack of any connection to the Plymouth
She added that where social landlords have a suspended Possession
area.
Order that in certain circumstances they can apply for possession in
All four of the witnesses were police
simple trespass proceedings following the case of London and Quadrant
officers and the paperwork (documents
Housing Trust -v- Ansell. In the Ansell case, there was a suspended
and statements) amounted to 27 pages.
Possession Order which could not be enforced as, somewhere along the
One aspect of this case was the pattern
line, the Defendant had cleared her rent arrears and the Order
of massive increases in the volume of
specifically stated that when the Defendant had paid the total amount,
complaints of anti-social behaviour in
the Housing Trust would not be able to take any steps to evict the
council properties in which the person
Defendant. The Housing Trust therefore sought possession on the
turned up.
grounds that the Defendant occupied her property as a trespasser: as
His modus operadi was to prey on
this was a suspended Possession Order
vulnerable, usually drug addicted
the Defendant was in fact a trespasser
Like to know more then contact:
tenants, in order to operate from their
from the date that the Order had been
Yetunde Dania, Cobbetts
premises.
made.
0845 404 2404
Member’s News
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 know more then contact:
Gill King, 01260 288404 gillking@danehousinggroup.co.uk
Landmark case in Hackney 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.
Like to know more then contact:
Melanie Bright 07792694088 melanie.bright@mouchelparkman.com
£1,000 towards Crime Prevention 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
New Skills for Anti-Social Behaviour Officers Anti-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 antisocial 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 Like to know more then contact: from across England. Anna Mitchell 07920 593946
Landlords face prosecution Hampshire 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.
18
Operation Blue Ribbon A 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 followup 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. Like to know more then contact:
Inspector Mandy Mason 0845 1135000
Member’s News
Residents honoured for 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 Like to know more then contact: Mark Murphy 01204 335529 behaviour. mark.murphy@boltonathome.org.uk
High Court clarifies law on extending ASBO’s
the order was as much a term as any of the prohibitions.
In July, the High Court handed down judgement in the
extension, as the duration of the Order was a term just
case of Leeds City Council v RG, a case on the question
like any other term.
‘can an ASBO be varied so as to extend the length of it?’
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
Before the High Court, RG argued that the Council should
The original ASBO had been made in September 2004 for
apply for a new ASBO which would involve safeguards
two years. It was due to expire and Leeds City Council
such as consultation and rights of appeal.
applied for a variation of the order inviting the Magistrates to extend it.
The Court were persuaded that the word varied in the ASBO context should be viewed in the same way as in
Leeds Magistrates heard argument on whether they had
DPP v Hall. The High Court was not persuaded by RG's
the power to extend an order. RG contended that
argument, though it was concerned that there was no
variation meant a change to the terms of the order but
right of appeal from a variation. However, they felt that
not extension. The Court decided that variation did not
the Defendant was protected because an application to
have the same meaning as extension, and so refused the
vary can only succeed if the applying Authority puts
Council's application. The Council challenged that
before the Magistrates material which justifies the
decision and the question posed for the High Court was
extension as necessary. The High Court also stated that
"did the Court have power pursuant to Section 1(8) to
in the case of an application to vary the length of the
vary by extending the duration of an Anti-Social
order, the authority would need to persuade the
Behaviour Order made pursuant to Section 1(1) of the
Magistrates that it was appropriate to vary the length of
Crime and Disorder Act 1998?".
an existing ASBO, rather than making an application for a
Before the High Court, Leeds argued that the duration of
new one.
19
Member’s News
Taking to the streets As 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 Action
Celebrating Local Heroes Birmingham City Council celebrated the work and efforts of
To show its commitment to the area, the new
local people across the city who have helped make a real
Sheffield landlord, Acis Group coordinated a week
difference in their communities and have taken a stand
of action on the Lower Manor Estate, supported by
against vandals and noisy neighbours.
the Safer Neighbourhood officer, South Yorkshire
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.
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
The ‘Taking a Stand Awards’ supported by Crime Concern
neighbourhood. Over 60% of these were
and the Co-op is now in its fourth year as part of the
completed and they showed that the major
Government’s Respect Agenda.
concern was youths loitering on the estate causing
On Friday 6 July, Lord Mayor, Councillor Randal Brew hosted
fear to the locals and the nuisance caused by
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
motorbikes around the estate Some of the other action that took place was:
handed out UV pens to mark property and help
which can be spent on making improvements to their local area.
PCSOs provided home security advice and conduct a truancy sweep.
Councillor Brew who presented certificates to the
40 children were taken back to school over three days on the truancy sweep.
nominees, said:“I am delighted to see that so many
Birmingham residents have been acknowledged for their
There was a deep clean of the streets on the estate
hard work and commitment to tackling anti-social
and 12 tonnes of rubbish was removed.
behaviour in their communities. The council, police and
The week of action was deemed a great success by
agencies need the help and support of individuals and
the local residents. Dot Duroe, Treasurer for the
groups and there are many examples of residents standing
local TARA said “I think it was a good thing, it was
up and saying enough is enough.”
great to see all the agencies working together and
Cllr Ayoub Khan, cabinet member for Local Services and
knocking on peoples doors asking about the issues
Community Safety, added:“We will continue to work with
round here. The residents felt reassured by this and
the police, residents and our partner agencies to ensure
feel safer, but we would like to see this happen
that local people are given the support they need to tackle
more often. People are taking more pride in the
any problems within their communities”
area since it was cleaned up and to take ownership
Fire Service provided fire risk assessments.
of the area.”
20
Member’s News
Aiming to lead the way 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 organisations 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 index360Š 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�.
Back to school Local school children got to grips with the ins and outs of antisocial behaviour at a special series of workshops run by New Progress Housing Association.
$QWL 6RFLD $QWL 6RFLDO WL 6RFLDO %HKDYLRXU $ %DODQFHG G $SSURDFK $SSURD SURDFK DFK ² œ)LUP EXW ))DLU¡ )DLU ¡ / /CTOBER CTOBER "EST 7ESTERN (OTEL
" EST 7 ESTERN 0ARKWAY 0ARKWAY ( OTEL
#WMBRAN
7ALES # WMBRAN 3OUTH 3OUTH 7 ALES "UILD " UILD SSTRONGER TRONGER AND AND SSAFER AFER COMMUNITIES COMMUNITIES BY BY RESOLVING RESOLVING IISSUES SSUES OF OF AANTI SOCIAL NTI SOCIAL BBEHAVIOUR EHAVIOUR !3" !3" AMONG AMONG RESIDENTS RESIDENTS AAND ND CCOMMUNITIES OMMUNITIES !NTI 3OCIAL "EHAVIOUR !NTI 3OCIAL "EHAVIOUR ! " "ALANCED ALANCED ! !PPROACH PPROACH n @@&IRM &IRM BBUT UT &A &AIR AIR IISS A OONE DAY NE DAY CONFERENCE CONFERENCE EEXAMINING XAMINING HHOW OW IINNOVATIVE NNOVATIVE LEGAL LEGAL SSOLUTIONS
OLUTIONS EVIDENCE EVIDENCE WORKING WITH GGATHERING ATHERING AAND ND W ORKING IN IN PPARTNERSHIP ARTNERSHIP W ITH KKEY EY AAGENCIES GENCIES CCAN AN RRESOLVE ESOLVE WHILST LLONG ONG TTERM ERM AANTI SOCIAL NTI SOCIAL BBEHAVIOUR EHAVIOUR W HILST AATT TTHE HE SSAME AME TTIME IME KKEEPING EEPING PPEOPLE EOPLE IINN THEIR THEIR HHOMES OMES (OSTED #HARTER (OUSING S .UISANCE ( OSTED BBYY # HARTER ( OUSING S . UISANCE 00REVENTION REVENTION 4EAM
4EAM 2%3/,6%
2%3/,6%
THE WILL THE CONFERENCE CONFERENCE W ILL DDRAW RAW ON ON TTHE HE EEXPERIENCES XPERIENCES OOFF A NNUMBER UMBER OF OF !!3" 3" PRACTITIONERS PRACTITIONERS WITH WITH PRACTICAL PRACTICAL AND AND INFORMATIVE INFORMATIVE WORKSHOPS WORKSHOPS 4HE 4HE MAIN MAIN SPEAKERS SPEAKERS WILL WILL BE BE CONlRMED CONlRMED SHORTLY SHORTLY BUT BUT WILL WILL INCLUDE INCLUDE 0ETER 0ETER *ACKSON *ACKSON OF OF THE THE 3OCIAL 3OCIAL ,ANDLORDS ,ANDLORDS #RIME #RIME .UISANCE .UISANCE 'ROUP 'ROUP AS AS WELL WELL AS AS OTHER OTHER LEADING LEADING lGURES lGURES WORKING WORKING IN IN THE THE lELD lELD OF OF ANTI SOCIAL ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR BEHAVIOUR 4HE 4HE WORKSHOPS WORKSHOPS WILL WILL DEMONSTRATE DEMONSTRATE THAT THAT BOTH BOTH ENFORCEMENT ENFORCEMENT AND AND PREVENTION PREVENTION CAN CAN BE BE USED USED TO TO STOP STOP !3" !3" AND AND PREVENT PREVENT EVICTION EVICTION RESULTING RESULTING IN IN HOMELESSNESS HOMELESSNESS 4HE 4HE CONlRMED CONlRMED WORKSHOPS WORKSHOPS ARE ARE s &AMILY &AMILY )NTERVENTION )NTERVENTION 0ROJECTS 0ROJECTS n (ELEN (ELEN -ORGAN
-ORGAN "RISTOL "RISTOL &AMILY &AMILY 3UPPORT 3UPPORT 0ROJECT 0ROJECT s ! WORKSHOP WORKSHOP BY BY !NTHONY !NTHONY #OLLINS #OLLINS 3OLICITORS 3OLICITORS DETAILS DETAILS TO TO CONlRMED CONlRMED
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.
s 7ORKING .EW 7ORKING TOGETHER TOGETHER FOR FOR OUR OUR COMMUNITIES COMMUNITIES -ICHAEL -ICHAEL (OLT
(OLT . EW #HARTER #HARTER (OUSING (OUSING 44RUST RUST 00 # # 33TEVE TEVE (ODGSON
(ODGSON 'REATER 'REATER -ANCHESTER -ANCHESTER 0OLICE 0OLICE
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 Like to know more then contact: across Chorley and South Nykkie Berry 01772 450852 Ribble at other schools. nberry@progressgroup.org.uk
#ALLY # ALLY 2OBINSON 2OBINSON ON ON 4EL 4EL
s 5SING 5SING COVERT COVERT SURVEILLANCE SURVEILLANCE TTOO RREDUCE EDUCE RRELIANCE ELIANCE OONN WITNESSES WITNESSES n #LIVE #LIVE &&LINT LINT OF OF ))NVIEW NVIEW 44ECHNICAL ECHNICAL 33ERVICE ERVICE
$ON T $ ON T TO TOLERATE OLLEERRAATEE !3" !3" " 2% 2%3/,6% %3 3/ /,,6% IT ITT "OOK " OOK YYOUR OUR PLACE PLACE TODAY TODAY BY BY CCONTACTING ONTACTING OORR %%MAIL MAIL CCALLY ROBINSON ALLY Y ROBINSON CCHARTERHOUSING CO UK HARTERHOUSING CO UK
2%3/,6% 2% %3/,,6%% ISS #H #HARTER HARTTEERR (O (OUSING OUSSINNG !!SSOCIATION S SSSOCIAATIIOONN S SP SPECIALIST PECIALISST .UISANCE .UUISSANCE 0REVENTION 0RREEVENNTIIOON 4EAM 4EAM #HHARTTEER (OUSING (OOUSSINNG !SSOCIATION !SSOCIAATIIOON ISS A MEMBER MEMBER OF OF THE THHE 3EREN 3EEREENN 'R ROOUPP #HARTER 'ROUP 2EGISTERED 2 EGISTERED AASS A # #HARITABLE HARITABLE ))NDUSTRIAL NDUSTRIAL AAND ND 00ROVIDENT ROVIDENT 3 3OCIETY OCIETY . .O O 2 2
21
SLCNG
comments on the new style and format. Below are a
A warm welcome to our new members
couple of comments we received:
We plan to make this section that welcomes our latest
Your views on Nuisance News In the last issue of Nuisance News we asked you for your
"The majority of decisions made in the county court do
members a regular feature in forthcoming issues.
not get formally reported but cases heard at this level
On behalf of the membership I would like to warmly
are regularly reported in Nuisance News. It is an
welcome the following organisations to our group.
invaluable publication for members to find out what
North Norfolk Housing Trust
innovative approaches other social landlords and
East Midlands Housing Association
partnering organisations are adopting to combat anti-
Moseley & District Housing Association
social behaviour. The new layout means it is much easier to find articles of interest. Yetunde Dania, Partner,
Shepherds Bush Housing Association
Cobbetts
Stockport Homes
In response to your question, the new format is more
The Riverside Group
colourful, funky and more inviting to read than the old
Three Rivers District Council
red and white outline, which was a little uninviting. Hope
Town & Country Housing Group
the new format proves to be a big hit with your
Welcome to all of you.
readership! Jane Johnston, LCMS, Oxford Chambers
Sharon Mackley, Support Services Manager
Feedback from staff on the new style of the magazine is very positive including comments from our Chief
Don’t keep it to yourself
Exeecutive. Views are that it is now very attractive, up to date and eye catching and staff are taking more time to
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.
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
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.
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.
We wait to hear from you - thanks.
Editorial services and design by Glenn Marketing 0121 555 7310
Sharon Mackley,Support Services Manager, SLCNG
22
Make sure that you share your news with us This 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:-
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
Articles, ideally around 200 to 300 words in length
received early will take priority. Please email articles,
High quality copy of your logo (If you are not sure or
logos and photographs to:-
speak to the person who handles your publicity)
sharon@slcng.org.uk
ocial Landlords Crime and Nuisance Group
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
Our Sponsor financially but they will be providing support to our training programme. Through Law Club Limited they
Partnering deal struck with legal firm Whiteheads
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
We are pleased to announce the signing of a partnering
retaining the pre-eminent national position that SLCNG
deal with the leading firm of solicitors, Whiteheads.
enjoys.
The agreement was signed at the CIH conference at
Whiteheads is one of the leading firms of solicitors
Harrogate in June. Chair of the Directors, Roger Griffiths
specialising in advising on cases of anti-social
said: “This represents a significant step forward for
behaviour and they already work with many of our
SLCNG. Not only will Whiteheads be supporting us
members.
Benefits of Law Club Limited
Consultancy services working with expert practitioners in the housing sector to help social landlords achieve excellence in service delivery
As 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.
In addition to the above services, members can also have access to other benefits from Whiteheads Solicitors – this includes free case consultations and
Law Club is a ‘members only’ sister company of
free telephone and email advice on general matters.
Whiteheads that offers training, development and support services to the housing sector.
If you would like any advice please get in touch on training@whiteheadsols.co.uk
In addition to delivering courses that have been designed with and for housing professionals, there are
Whiteheads Solicitors was
several other services that Law Club can offer to
established in 1992 by Peter
SLCNG’s members.
Whitehead as one of the first
Training Needs Analysis offered for free to ensure members are able to identify gaps and maximise their training budgets Conferences
legal practices in the UK to specialise solely in Social Housing law. Prior to founding the firm, Peter, who is currently the
members can receive discounts on attendance on a
firm's Principal, was a partner at one of Manchester's
first come first served basis at all Law Club events
top generalist law firms before he decided to
Lunch seminars
dedicate his time to growing a business that
sessions with legal and housing practitioners aimed
specialised in housing law.
at developing and sharing good practice
Whiteheads is a specialist firm dedicated to serving
Newsletters and legal updates circulated free of charge to all members to keep them up-to-date on changes to legislation and case law
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
ReACT
The browser based Anti-Social Behaviour Recording System
using the latest .net technology Social housing landlords are expected to take positive action to deal effectively with all forms of anti-social behaviour. ReACT has been developed to record incidents and complaints, to manage work flow and produce essential reports.
ReACT is a cost effective comprehensive anti-social behaviour database designed specifically for all social housing landlords
ReACT keeps detailed information about all aspects of incidents For further information or to arrange a demonstration please contact us:
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 and mobile working and can be hosted
ReSPONSE A recording, reporting and monitoring system for neighbourhood wardens using pocket pc’s.
EBS is pleased to support:
For further information or to arrange a demonstration of ReACT or ReSPONSE please contact us:
Tel: 0121 384 2513 Email: React@e-b-s.co.uk Web: www.e-b-s.co.uk Electronic Business Systems Ltd. 852 Tyburn Road, Birmingham, West Midlands B24 9NT.