Suffering anti-social behaviour

7. What to do if you are suffering anti-social behaviour

The Council, acting with other agencies to investigate complaints, can help resolve problems of anti-social behaviour. However, the level of action that the Council can take depends upon how severe the problem is. Therefore, where it is possible and safe to do so, it is always better to try to resolve these situations yourself.

7.1 Dealing with problems yourself - speaking to the perpetrator

Firstly, only if it is safe and appropriate to do so, should you speak to whoever is causing you the problem. They may not be aware that they are disturbing you and a compromise may be reached.

Before approaching the person concerned you should think about what you are going to say. Be clear about what the problem is and how it affects you. Also think about what the outcome is likely to be and stay calm and friendly. Being aggressive won't help and listen to their views and think about things from their viewpoint. Try not to bring up incidents from the past, especially if they are not relevant to the current dispute. Try instead to look to the future and how you want things to change. If the person is unreasonable, leave the discussion.

You could always use a neural mediator such as the Shepway Independent Mediation Service.

7.2 Reporting the problem to Coast and Countryside Housing Services

If you have tried to resolve the problem yourself, or do not feel that it is appropriate to do so, then anti-social behaviour should be reported to your Housing Officer or a Customer Services Officer at the Shepway Housing Centre.

The Shepway Housing Centre is open Monday - Friday 8.30 am - 5.00 pm and the telephone number is 01303 851 700

Housing Officers

The person taking your complaint will take details and advise you of the next steps to take. All cases will be assessed to establish the severity of the problem.

7.3 What the Council will do when you report a problem

If appropriate an interview will be arranged with you to:

• Find out more about the anti-social behaviour
• Complete a 'Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour - Case File' to establish the details of what is happening
• Discuss what you can do to help yourself
• Suggest mediation if appropriate
• Explain what the Council and other agencies can do, like talking to the alleged perpetrator
• Request your consent to discuss the case with other agencies
• Consider a support package including security and referrals to other agencies

We will agree an "Action Plan" with you. This would include how the complaint is investigated and any support needs identified. We will also discuss and agree how contact will be maintained with you.

Where the client has agreed and if appropriate, the investigation will include interviewing the alleged perpetrator about the incidents.

Wherever possible, the Council will attempt to resolve disputes informally and help those involved resolve any differences they may have.

You will be asked to complete diary sheets to record any activity giving details of the date, time, what happened etc. These diary sheets will help us build up a case and may be used to form a statement later relied on in court. Tenants often regard this process as some thing of a chore, however, it is very important that diary sheets are completed court action is to be successful.

7.4 Action Coast and Countryside Housing Services will take following your interview

The Housing Officer will confirm the Action Plan with the Senior Housing Officer or Housing Manager. We will then:

• Investigate the circumstances including interviewing witnesses. The Housing Officer may want to speak to other residents and named witnesses, check our own records and see if we have received any other complaints. We will also look at the tenancy rights of the alleged perpetrator and see if any other action is ongoing against them.
• Interview the perpetrator if you have given your consent
• Work in partnership with other agencies such as the Police to deal with anti-social problems
• Take other appropriate action to investigate and /or stop the anti-social behaviour
• If the alleged perpetrator is vulnerable, the council will seek to refer them for appropriate support to help address their behaviour

At the end of the investigation your Housing Officer will review the case with their manager and decide what action to take.

Section - 8 Remedies for Anti-Social Behaviour...