Housing association shares secrets of beating anti-social behaviour

Published by Max Salsbury for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Communities, Legal

A housing association has shared the secrets of its success in tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB).

City West Housing Trust hosted over 20 social landlords and ASB practitioners at a regional event to discuss the causes of, and solutions to ASB.

City West, which manages 14,600 homes in West Salford, has successfully resolved 660 cases of ASB over the last year.

The Trust's approach to ASB combines early intervention, partnership programmes to tackle root causes, and legal action when appropriate.

An ASB Excellence Group, made up of customers and staff, meets regularly to discuss service improvement priorities and performance.

City West's early intervention approach includes ‘acceptable behaviour contracts’ – voluntary contracts between the Trust and the perpetrators of ASB – which have been very successful in tackling problems before they escalate.

Delegates also heard from tenant Carol Mawers, a former victim of ASB.

The 58-year-old from Walkden worked with City West to set up a new Witness Mentoring Scheme, in which tenants provide support and a sympathetic ear to other tenants who are experiencing ASB while cases are being resolved.

Carol said: “The Trust’s housing officers can’t be on hand all the time. The witness mentors programme allows customers to get some practical support, or simply to let off some steam, by speaking to other customers who know exactly what they are going through. It makes a massive difference.”

City West's Matt Jones said: “Everybody deserves to live in a peaceful, secure neighbourhood. ASB can have a tremendously damaging impact on tenants' quality of life, which is why we are so committed to tackling it."