A ‘Good Tenant Guide’ is to be created by South Holland District Council after 96 cases of anti social behaviour were reported last year, with noise complaints topping the list.
The new framework will be built on the four priorities of prevention and early intervention, working together, risk management and victim support and putting tenants first, says a report to council members this week.
“The council acknowledges that tackling anti-social behaviour requires collaboration with partner agencies,” says the report.
But it goes on to say that feedback from tenants suggests the council relies too much on diary sheets for recording issues and that tenants didn’t feel communication was good.
“Tenants have told us that they did not feel well communicated with before, during and after the investigation of ASB and worse, some tenants felt their complaint was not taken seriously or not dealt with at all,” the report added. It has created the new framework in response to consultation and changing legislation.
“The council recognises that it cannot resolve issues of ASB in neighbourhoods in isolation and that causes and effects of ASB are wide ranging, varied and can affect all members of the community, not just council tenants,” said the report.
The framework is needed to have in the shorter-term as a service level to improve the outcome for tenants.
Once it is fully adopted, new policies will be brought forward on anti-social behaviour and hate crime which will be continuously reviewed and updated.
“Failure to manage anti-social behaviour effectively can lead to increased costs due to void loss, damage to property, compensation claims for redress via the Housing Ombudsman and court costs relating to enforcement and evictions,” council members were told.
The Social Housing Regulation Act 2023 introduced new standards aimed at enhancing tenant safety and service quality.
Registered providers, like the council, must work in partnership with appropriate local authority departments, the police and other relevant organisations to deter and tackle the anti-social behaviour.
During 2024 there were a total of 96 households reported cases of anti-social behaviour to the Housing Landlord Service. The highest number, 15, were in February.
Noise and behaviour were the two most reported issues, according to the report.
“The council is dedicated to supporting tenants in maintaining their tenancies and ensuring a safe and harmonious living environment. Our commitment includes making every reasonable effort to prevent acts of anti-social behaviour. While most tenants will benefit from information and advice, some may require additional support.”
The council said it had ‘sometimes’ misidentified tenants as perpetrators of anti-social behaviour or confuse neighbour disputes which can ‘inadvertently escalate tensions between neighbours.”
The new strategy framework aims to involve tenants in creating a ‘Good Neighbour Guide,’ and the council will form stronger links with local policing teams while training staff.
