ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR TIMESCALES Consultation Document March 2014 This Consultation Document is for the attention of all HHP tenants, stakeholders and partner agencies, and seeks views on proposed timescales for the resolution of Anti-Social Behaviour in respect of the requirements of Scottish Social Housing Charter Indicator 19. Registered Charity : SC035767
PREFACE Anti-social behaviour can be defined as an action or course of conduct which is likely to cause alarm, distress, nuisance or annoyance. This document seeks views on proposed timescales for the resolution of anti-social behaviour in respect of the requirements of Scottish Social Housing Charter Indicator 19. Indicator 19 requires Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) to provide the following information: Percentage of anti-social behaviour cases reported in the last year which were resolved within locally agreed targets. (i) Number of cases of anti-social behaviour reported in the last year. (ii) Number of cases resolved in the last year. (iii) Number of cases resolved within locally agreed targets in the last year. The Regulator gives the following definition for resolved : where the landlord has taken appropriate measures, as set out in its ASB policies and procedures, to address the cause of the anti-social behaviour complaint; or where the landlord does not have the authority or powers to resolve it has provided a full explanation of the landlord s position. Appendix 1 details types of recognised anti-social behaviour and the priority status that has been assigned to each type. Please note this is not an exhaustive list. A target timescale for initial contact has been assigned to each, in accordance with HHP s policies and procedures, and also a resolved within timescale. HHP requests your views on these timescales and would appreciate any other issues with this topic to be brought to our attention with your proposed solutions in each case. Why are we consulting you? HHP aims to provide opportunities for all those who wish to express their opinions on a proposed area of work, or on an aspect of the housing sector that impacts on the Partnership s work. It aims to do so in ways that will inform and enhance that work. Typically consultations involve a consultation paper inviting answers to specific questions or more general views about the material presented. The views and suggestions detailed in consultation responses will be analysed and used as part of the decision making process for the development of a particular policy/document, or for the facilitation of regulatory requirements. This consultation is aimed at: HHP s tenants; Stakeholders; and Partner agencies.
What we would like you to do The consultation period begins on 7 March 2014 and closes on 22 March 2014. If you wish to respond to this consultation, please ensure that your response is returned to Angela Smith, by post to the address below, or electronically via the email address below, by 5pm on Friday, 21 March 2014. There is a response form at Appendix 2. Angela Smith Corporate Governance Manager Hebridean Housing Partnership Creed Court Gleann Seileach Business Park Willowglen Stornoway HS1 2QP angelasmith@hebrideanhousing.co.uk
APPENDIX 1 HEBRIDEAN HOUSING PARTNERSHIP ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR TIMESCALES Detailed below are types of recognised anti-social behaviour and the priority assigned to them by HHP. Please note, this is an indicative rather than an exhaustive list, and does not in any way restrict HHP s right to take action against tenants in cases where there are other forms of disruption, nuisance, annoyance or harassment which may be considered anti-social. Please also note that every anti-social behaviour case is different in nature although complaints might belong to the same type so each one will require a different approach in order to come to a resolution, and timescales can vary considerably. PRIORITY TYPE OF BEHAVIOUR TARGET TIME FOR INITIAL CONTACT Serious - Violence - Threats of violence - Physical danger - Use of or carrying offensive weapons - Drug dealing - Racist of offensive behaviour - Dangerous pets - Severe noise - Malicious damage PROPOSED RESOLUTION TIMESCALE 24 hours 3 months or the initiation of legal action Less Serious - ise nuisance - Unreasonable behaviour - n-violent intimidation - n-offensive graffiti - Dog or pet nuisance - Fly tipping - Inconsiderate parking 5 days 3 months
APPENDIX 2 INITIAL CONTACT RESPONSE TO HHP CONSULTATION ON ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR RESOLUTION TIMESCALES 1 Do you agree with the proposed target time of 24 hours for initial contact regarding serious types of anti-social behaviour? 2 Do you agree with the proposed target time of 5 days for initial contact regarding less serious types of anti-social behaviour? RESOLUTION TIMESCALE 3 Do you agree with the proposed resolution timescale of three months or the initiation of legal action for serious types of antisocial behaviour? 4 Do you agree with the proposed resolution timescale of three months for less serious types of anti-social behaviour?