Scope and Purpose: This policy supports Norwich City Council's 2040 City Vision and Corporate plan, addressing Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) in alignment with the Housing Act 1996. It defines ASB, outlines our responsibilities, and sets standards for dealing with ASB.
Our Roles:
- Social Landlord: Addressing ASB affecting managed homes.
- Environmental Protection: Handling ASB related to environmental issues.
- Norfolk County Community Safety Partnership (NCCSP): Collaborating to reduce crime and disorder in Norwich.
Guiding Principles: Our approach to ASB is guided by:
- Continuous use of customer feedback.
- Encouraging victims to report ASB and providing support.
- Trauma-sensitive practices.
- Clear processes and communication.
- Collaboration with partners for effective service delivery.
ASB Service Standards: Reports are assessed using the National Risk Assessment Matrix, with triage within 2 days for high risk, and 5 days for standard or medium risk. Victims are informed of case closure reasons, and ASB Case Reviews are available for repeated incidents.
What is Anti-social Behaviour? ASB involves behaviours causing distress, such as noisy behaviour, vandalism, or public drunkenness. Examples not classified as ASB include occasional noise, children's play, and one-off parties.
Good Neighbourhood Management: A policy in 2024 will address low-level neighbourhood issues. Options include mediation, community events, and targeted interventions.
Vulnerability and Safeguarding: Recognizing that ASB may disproportionately affect vulnerable individuals, safeguarding referrals may be made. Strong partnership working with relevant agencies is emphasized.
Policy Sections:
- Approach to ASB: Covering opening, early intervention, enforcement, legal considerations, and case closure.
- Opening a Case: Circumstances for Council-led investigations, maintaining confidentiality, and managing complainant expectations.
- Early Intervention: Utilising ASB tools, sharing data with partners, and selecting appropriate interventions.
- Enforcement/Preventative Tools: Using specific, proportionate tools with sufficient evidence, considering victim vulnerability, and engaging the community.
- After the Case: Engaging the public, signposting support, and maintaining communication.
- Evidence and Court Requirements: Thorough case preparation, seeking legal advice, and engaging with mental health services when necessary.
- Going to Court and Managing Breaches: Keeping stakeholders informed and collaborating with police and housing.
- Case Closure: Consistent closure with complainant agreement, maintaining records, and ensuring regular communication.
- Long-term Support: Clear communication of ongoing support for vulnerable individuals after case closure.
- Anti-social Behaviour by Unknown Persons: Responding to anonymous reports with well-publicised reporting methods.
Customer Experience and Governance: Using satisfaction surveys to measure and report customer experiences. Regular policy review with resident engagement.
Data, Record Keeping, and Information Sharing: Adhering to Norwich City Council Data Protection Policy.
Glossary of Terms: Providing definitions for terms used in the policy.
Note: For detailed information, refer to the full policy document.
