Supporting housing associations in tackling anti-social behaviour

As housing associations face increased media scrutiny and pressure from agencies to take steps to address anti-social behaviour, we continue to see the proactive response taken by our clients to address the challenges faced.

There is little doubt among professionals working in housing management that anti-social behaviour is on the rise, with the incidents of such behaviour increasing in seriousness. Housing associations are frequently finding themselves at the forefront of addressing the conduct of its tenants where the police and other agencies are unable, or lacking in resources, to do so.

A proactive legal response

We were pleased to advise and represent Hedyn (created from the recent amalgamation of Newport City Homes and Melin Homes) in taking decisive and proactive action against a number of youth defendants causing significant disruption to one community. The conduct complained of consisted of nuisance to other residents and shop owners including setting fires and verbal abuse to emergency workers. Despite much inter-agency cooperation to try and curb the behaviours, which were having a hugely detrimental impact on the community as a whole, it was in fact Hedyn that took action by seeking civil injunctions against a number of the individuals to protect its other contract holders (tenants) and other residents in the area. These injunctions exclude the individuals from certain areas, prevent them from engaging in further anti-social behaviour and are supported by powers of arrest to ensure that any return to such behaviour can result in immediate action being taken.

Legal expertise that makes a difference

Housing associations are facing continued challenges with a rise in anti-social behaviour combined with increased pressure on frontline services and ever decreasing mental health support in the community. As a result of this, it is perhaps inevitable that housing associations are having to take action. That in itself is challenging, with many residents unwilling to provide evidential support for fear of repercussions. Despite those challenges, what many don’t see is the work that goes on behind the scenes to try and identify support for those involved in anti-social behaviour (many of whom themselves are facing challenges) and balance the competing needs of those in the community. In our experience housing associations work hard to support all their residents and take action when they can and have the evidence to properly support such action.

Rachael Davies, Anti-social Behaviour Specialist at Hedyn, said:

“We encourage anyone who witnesses or experiences anti-social behaviour to report all incidents to ourselves and Gwent Police. We work in partnership with a number of agencies to make sure that justice is delivered to our communities, and each report is crucial in helping us gather evidence. We cannot do this important work without our residents. By working together in this way, we can keep our communities safe and build connected communities where people can live well.”

A collaborative approach

We continue to be proud to support Hedyn in their vital community role. This case is one of many in which they have used the powers of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to improve the quality of life of residents. It demonstrates their commitment to their duties to the wider community and demonstrates the vital need for all agencies to cooperate to achieve the best outcomes for the community.