What is anti-social behaviour?
The legal definition of anti-social behaviour (ASB) is:
“Acting in a manner that causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons not of the same household as themselves”
Crime & Disorder Act 1994
“Conduct causing or likely to cause nuisance or annoyance to a person residing, visiting, or otherwise engaged in lawful activity in the locality”
Housing Act 1996
There are many categories of ASB including:
- Youths drinking on the street
- Loud music
- Barking dogs
- Door slamming
- Criminal behaviour
- Aggressive or violent behaviour
- Racial harassment
In simple terms, anything that prevents the quiet enjoyment of your home can be deemed anti-social behaviour, although complainants must be realistic with their complaint.
What is our approach to ASB?
At Ashton Pioneer Homes we will not tolerate any incidence of anti-social behaviour.
We will work in partnership with complainants and the local authorities to help identify, manage and resolve anti-social behaviour. We also understand that there must be a balance between enforcement, prevention and rehabilitation. This means that the rights of all vulnerable people will be protected and support offered to complainants, victims and perpetrators.
How can I make a complaint?
If you experience any kind of anti-social behaviour, please contact our Customer Services Team, or your Housing Officer. If you are a resident you can contact the Neighbourhood Services Team (NST) via your intercom. You can also send an email or letter, or any other method that you find easy and comfortable.
If your complaint is concerning behaviour likely to cause a breach of the peace, or you witness criminal behaviour, please contact the police on 0161 872 5050 or dial 999 in an emergency.
What happens when I make a complaint?
We are committed to responding to complaints as quickly as possible.
Residents making a complaint will normally receive an immediate and effective response from our Neighbourhood Services Team.
An NST report of your complaint will go directly to your Housing Officer, who will contact you within five working days to acknowledge your complaint and discuss its resolution. The perpetrator will also be contacted and interviewed. Please be assured that all complaints will be treated confidentially, and that your details will never be divulged to the perpetrator.
A key factor that helps with all cases of anti-social behaviour is the evidence recorded by complainants. Keeping a diary of nuisance events, for example, will enable us to take appropriate action against disruptive tenants and, if necessary, evict them from their property.
What legal remedies are available to deal with anti-social behaviour?
At Ashton Pioneer Homes we are aware of the value of early intervention. The Housing Officers will consider the full range of civil and legal remedies against perpetrators including
- Serving a Section 21 notice to end an Assured Shorthold Tenancy
- Possession Proceedings against Assured Tenancy holders
- Demotion of an Assured Tenancy
- Injunctions
- Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO)
- Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABC)
We will also work with other agencies such as mediation services to resolve the nuisance amicably and maintain good community relations.
Should you want any further information regarding our stance on anti-social behaviour, please contact our Margaret House office for a copy of our ASB Policy.
