Charter to tackle antisocial behaviour

The town hall has given its backing to a new Government-supported charter for social landlords, which promotes the use of a range of good practice measures to combat unruly behaviour.

Wandsworth Council has a team of dedicated officers who make it a priority to respond to and resolve reports of antisocial behaviour firmly and as swiftly as possible.

By signing up to the Respect ASB (antisocial behaviour) Charter for Housing - a standard run by the Chartered Institute of Housing, Social Landlords Crime and Nuisance Group and Housemark - the town hall's housing service has reinforced its commitment to taking the following steps:

• Demonstrate leadership and strategic commitment.
• Provide an accessible and accountable service.
• Take swift action to protect communities.
• Adopt a supportive approach to working with victims and witnesses.
• Encourage individual and community responsibility.
• Have a clear focus on prevention and early intervention.
• Ensure a value for money approach is embedded in the service.

Councillor Paul Ellis, Wandsworth's housing spokesman, said: "We already do a great deal to combat antisocial behaviour and we do not take that responsibility lightly.

"Our latest research shows that fewer cases are being reported, and those our officers are notified about are being resolved at a faster rate than ever before. That said, the council's ASB service officers are constantly looking for ways to build upon our success in this area.

"We hope that by further improving our response times to reports of unruly behaviour and by seeking feedback from residents on a more frequent basis about what we have done - and what we can do - to improve our services, we can effectively tackle any antisocial behaviour-related problems in our communities and estates.

"People engaging in this kind of behaviour do nothing other than make life miserable for others - and this will not be tolerated."

The town hall launched a housing survey on antisocial behaviour in January - and the housing department will now regularly survey residents who report incidents.

The council remains committed to enforcing a range of measures designed to tackle incidents of antisocial behaviour including refusing or cancelling an application for housing where it is found that someone has been antisocial and conducting estate and block inspections to identify and resolve related problems.

It will also continue to hold regular meetings between partner agencies who have a responsibility to help curb incidents of antisocial behaviour - including the Anti Social Behaviour Unit, housing associations, police and the council's legal services.

Under the town hall's current tenancy agreement, council tenants can face eviction proceedings if they cause a nuisance or interfere with the peace, comfort or convenience of local residents.

They may also lose their home if they engage in certain criminal activities such as vandalising or damaging council or other local peoples' property, using violence or harassing people in the local area or using their property for an illegal purpose.

To report antisocial behaviour in your area call the council on 020 8871 7490 or visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/info/870/community_safety/244/about_the_community_safety_team/2

Alternatively non emergency reports can be made to police by calling 101. To make an anonymous report call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS