Summary of Policies and Procedures on Anti Social Behaviour

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• Summary of Policies and Procedures on Anti Social Behaviour

The following is a 'summary' version of our Statement of Anti-Social Behaviour Policy and Procedures. It is available in leaflet format from local housing offices and Guildhall One but you can view it here - use the following shortcut links to access the information you need.

What is anti-social behaviour?

Any behaviour which may cause, or be likely to cause, a nuisance or annoyance and which may be a harassment, criminal, illegal and/or immoral behaviour. (RBK Secure Tenancy Agreement June 2003).

What is harassment?

Any unwelcome or hostile act or series of acts to an individual or group of people because of their race, nationality, colour, religion, political beliefs, sex, sexual orientation or disability. (RBK Harassment Policy and Procedure June 2003).

Our Mission Statement

Every member of the community has the right to enjoy their home and locality in peace.

The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames is committed to ensuring that problems of anti-social behaviour do not spoil that peaceful enjoyment. The Council is fully committed to the task of stamping out anti-social behaviour and creating a safer and more enjoyable place to live. Harassment of any kind to or by any tenant or member of staff will not be tolerated. The Council will deal with anti-social behaviour through effective use of policies and strategies.

By working in partnership with other agencies in the borough and by working with communities, the Council aims to prevent the misery that can be caused by others. Action will be taken against offenders.

Objectives of our policy

• To promote good tenancy relations so as to prevent problems of anti-social behaviour and nuisance problems to tenants.
• To investigate promptly and take necessary action when a complaint of anti-social behaviour has been made.
• To take appropriate action against known perpetrators, legal and other, and to enforce the tenancy condition about anti-social behaviour and nuisance where appropriate, always bearing in mind the wishes of the complainant.
• To record all incidents and to regularly review and monitor our response for intelligence purposes and to encourage criminal offences to be reported to the police.
• To promote multi-agency working and information sharing. Where necessary, to liaise effectively with other Directorates within the Council and outside agencies.

Housing Management is committed to

• Encouraging good tenancy relations and equal opportunities for all members of the community.
• Working for the safety and security of people and their homes and neighbourhood.
• Working in partnership with individuals, the police and other agencies and drawing upon a wide range of legal and other remedies to both prevent and tackle problems of anti-social behaviour.
• Training staff so that they are able to deal with problems of anti-social behaviour and that they are aware of any new strategies and changes to policies and procedures.   

How we will deal with a complaint

A firm consistent and ordered approach will be taken when a complaint of anti-social behaviour is made to the Council. This will involve:

• Immediate investigation of all complaints/reports of anti-social behaviour.
• Support for the complainant, both internal and external.
• Support for the vulnerable perpetrators, both internal and external.
• Recording and monitoring of the case.
• Appropriate action against the perpetrators.
• Follow up and evaluation.

What action will be taken

If a tenant behaves in an anti-social way or allows their household or visitors to behave in an anti-social way the Council will take appropriate action. The type of action taken will depend on the seriousness of the case.

Whatever action is taken it must be reasonable in relation to the seriousness of the problem.

Management options (non legal action)

• Warning letters.
• Mediation.
• Acceptable Behaviour Contracts.
• Management transfer.
• Assistance from other Council departments or external agencies.

Legal options

• Enforcing the tenancy conditions.
• Possession proceedings (eviction).
• Injunctions – prohibiting behaviour (with or without power of arrest).
• Anti-Social Behaviour Order – prosecution for breach.
• Demoted tenancies.
• Other legal options (eg under Environmental Protection Act, forfeiture of leases, private action, criminal proceedings by police, closure notices).
• Complainants will be kept fully informed of any developments in relation to their case and can be involved in any decisions made.

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