Issue - meetings

1.    That the 3 Housing Anti-Social Behaviour Policies be approved and adopted: 

a)             Anti-Social Behaviour Policy 

b)             Hate Crime Policy  

c)             Good Neighbour Policy

2.    That authority be delegated to the Corporate Head of Housing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Good Homes, to make any minor amendments to the policies.

Councillor Reach and the Service Lead - Housing Landlord Services introduced the report, noting that the policies were developed in consultation with the TACT Board and external consultants (RESOLVE).  It was advised that the purpose of the refresh was to provide a clear understanding as to what the council considered to be antisocial behaviour and to distinguish it from behaviours that were merely annoying or unpleasant.

The Service Lead - Housing Landlord Services responded to questions and comments raised by councillors as summarised below:

a)    Further clarification was sought regarding the scope of the policy and whom it applied to, including confirmation that the policy would be enforced if a private owner-occupier made a complaint about a council tenant. It was agreed that the policy wording be amended to clarify this.

b)    Further clarification was sought regarding how the council managed anti-social issues involving other Registered Providers (RPs) in the district.

c)    A concern was raised that the wording regarding a "victim-centred, proportionate, and fair" approach required more clarity to manage the expectations of victims. The Service Lead agreed to review the wording to ensure there was clarity on this point.

d)    A question was asked regarding the handling of parking disputes, noting that they often escalated.

e)    Further clarification was sought on how instances of hoarding would be dealt with.  

The Cabinet Committee agreed the following for the reasons set out above and outlined in the report

RESOLVED:

1.          That the 3 Housing Anti-Social Behaviour Policies be approved and adopted: 

a)          Anti-Social Behaviour Policy 

b)          Hate Crime Policy  

c)          Good Neighbour Policy

2.          That authority be delegated to the Corporate Head of Housing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Good Homes, to make any minor amendments to the policies.