Anti-Social Behaviour
- What should I do if I am a victim of anti-social behaviour?
- If this doesn’t work, what should I do next?
- What can I expect after reporting the incident?
- What will happen if the problem continues?
- What support can you provide if I am experiencing violence or harassment in my home?
- Useful contacts for help & advice
What is the Government's Respect Agenda?
We take anti- social behaviour very seriously and we are committed to ensuring that, as far as possible, you are able to enjoy living in your home without nuisance or harassment from others.
We are working hard to meet the guiding principles of the Government's Respect Agenda.
The key elements of the Respect Agenda are:
• Tackling the causes of Anti Social Behaviour.
• A multi agency approach to problem solving in respect of Anti Social Behaviour.
• Developing new ways of challenging and changing Anti Social Behaviour.
• Supporting mainstream changes so that the Respect Agenda becomes everybody’s business.
We have recently signed a “Respect Charter” for Manchester and are about to do the same in Stockport.
We recognise that it is essential that we work closely with all local authorities, to ensure a consistent approach to addressing the key objectives of the Government's Respect Agenda.
What does the Trust regard as anti-social behaviour?
Anti-social behaviour is defined as conduct, which is "capable of causing nuisance or annoyance to any person". This covers a very wide range of behaviours including:
- racial/homophobic harassment
- domestic violence
- property damage
- drug/alcohol abuse
- unacceptable levels of noise
- allowing dogs to foul communal gardens
- car parking/repairs outside designated areas
What should I do if I am a victim of anti-social behaviour?
Where possible and there is no risk of violence, you could try to solve the problem yourself. By talking to your neighbours calmly and seeing each others point of view you may be able to resolve the situation.
If this doesn’t work, what should I do next?
- You can report the matter to us by completing our on-line reporting form
- During office hours, you can report the matter to us by calling Customer Services on 0845 604 1095.
On reporting an alleged incident of anti-social behaviour you will be asked to outline the nature of the behaviour you have experienced so that Customer Services Operator can assess the seriousness of the situation.
What can I expect after reporting the incident?
Your complaint will be logged on our computer system and passed to the relevant manager to investigate. Progress in dealing with your report will be monitored and you will receive an acknowledgement in writing together with an incident record form.
The manager dealing with your report will assess the seriousness of your complaint. In serious cases you will be contacted within 2 working days and an appointment will be made to visit you within 5 working days. In exceptional cases we will take immediate action e.g. if you have to leave your home due to violence.
In less serious incidents you will be contacted within 3 working days and an appointment made to visit you, which could be up to 15 working days from reporting the complaint. Our staff will investigate all reports of anti-social behaviour thoroughly and, wherever possible, try to resolve the complaint in an informal manner.
What will happen if the problem continues?
If the matter cannot be resolved we will:
- devise an action plan with you and clarify what you should do e.g. keep incident diaries, report incidents to other agencies like the Police, Environmental Health and enlist the help of neighbours.
- explain clearly what we will do. This could involve contacting other visiting landlords or agencies, writing to the other party, visiting the other party or neighbours.
- consider further action such as an injunction, possession order, demotion of tenancy or an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO). The legal remedies will be clearly explained to you. You will be advised what will be required byway of evidence and informed of the likely timescales involved.
If you would like a copy of our leaflet on tackling anti social behaviour, please telephone our Customer Services Team on 0845 604 1095 or download a copy here. We cannot always guarantee to resolve a situation in the way you would like but we will always discuss the matter fully with you and give you clear feedback about what action we can take in the circumstances.
What support can you provide if I am experiencing voilence or harassment in my home?
Our policy is to support you if you are experiencing violence or harassment in your home. We will take your report very seriously and co-ordinate an approach that may well involve a number of other agencies, including the police. We will provide confidential support and aim to provide or find temporary accommodation if this is required.
Useful contact numbers for help & advice
Victim Support Line 0845 30 30 900
Crimestoppers 0800 555 111
24 hr Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247
The Samaritans 08457 909090
24 hr NSPCC Helpline 0800 800 500
Childline 0800 1111
Parentline Plus 0808 900 2222
