TSA to launch 'action squad' to help landlords tackle anti-social behaviour

The social housing regulator today announced it would set up a new action squad to work with landlords on the ground to tackle anti-social behaviour.
 
The Tenant Services Authority’s (TSA) new team, which will start work early next year, will help landlords improve their services to effectively tackle anti-social behaviour. The team will include experienced staff from the front line seconded into the TSA to share their expertise with landlords.
 
Phil Morgan, Executive Director Tenant Services, said: “Tenants have told us that dealing with anti-social behaviour is a top priority, so with the Government’s support, we're setting up a new action squad to support landlords and tenants to share good practice and encourage more joined up working between local agencies to tackle this issue.
 
“We know that some landlords are already doing a great job and working with families in trouble - so that the problems created in their communities are dealt with and not just moved to another place.

"But in other areas, some social housing tenants are causing problems for everyone else – and landlords are not doing enough to deal with anti-social behaviour. Our new anti-social behaviour action squad will help landlords to tackle the issues head on.
 
“We’re developing national standards for social housing landlords, which all providers will need to meet from April next year. One of these is our neighbourhood and community standard – where dealing with anti-social behaviour is key.
 
“This new standard will build on the existing Respect Standard for Housing Management which plays a crucial role in driving up standards in preventing and responding to anti-social behaviour within the housing sector.”
 
The TSA will work with Communities and Local Government on the review of the Respect Standard and will be engaging with landlords, tenants and stakeholders in this work.
 
The TSA has also welcomed the Government’s focus on Family Intervention Projects (FIPs) and is supporting the Department for Children, Schools and Families to expand this work across the social housing sector as part of a coordinated crackdown on anti-social behaviour and crime.