Anti-social behaviour team in Newcastle win major award » Housing » 24dash.com

A team of experts that tackle anti-social behaviour without resorting to expensive and lengthy court action has been recognised with a major national award.

Your Homes Newcastle's Housing Anti Social Behaviour Enforcement Team (HASBET) has won the team category in the Social Landlords Crime and Nuisance Group's Delivering Results awards for positive achievements in making their neighbourhoods safer.

The panel was particularly impressed with HASBET's 95% success rate in improving people's behaviour without recourse to the courts.
The awards, supported by House Mark and React 2008, recognise the achievements of individuals and groups who have tackled anti-social behaviour effectively and made a real and sustained difference to an individual or a community.

YHN chief executive John Lee said: "This is a brilliant award that recognises a hard-working team that make a vital difference to people's quality of life across the city. We have an innovative, pro-active approach and a commitment to early intervention and support that encourages people to change their behaviour without the need to resort to legal enforcement action.

"However where persistent offenders are identified and do not change their behaviour we will not hesitate to take legal action including eviction when necessary."

Your Homes Newcastle (YHN) is the first housing body in the North East to be given a three star rating by the Government's Audit Commission. Inspectors found that YHN offers excellent services and were particularly impressed with its approach to issues including support for vulnerable people and the way it involves tenants in some of the decisions it takes.