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Latest News Archive
Public confidence in the Criminal Justice System
21st of July 2010
New research presenting analysis of public confidence in the Criminal Justice system from 2002 to 2008 has been published.
This report covers the overall levels of confidence in the Criminal Justice System(CJS) and public perceptions of the wider CJS and draws together findings from the British Crime Survey (BCS), considering both the national (England and Wales) and local level picture.
To read the report please click here
Police buried under a blizzard of guidance
20th of July 2010
Police have become bogged down in a snow-storm of guidance at the expense of their
availability to the public the Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Sir Denis O’Connor, warned
today. Addressing senior members of police forces and police authorities, Sir Denis said that
the overly cautious approach of the service resulted in the production of 2615 pages of
guidance for officers last year alone. The production of “guidance” around particular risks and
legislation which has been “rising year on year” is leading to a growth of specialists and less
visible officers being available to the general public.
To read the full statemnt by HMIC please click here
What is the 'Big Society'?
19th of July 2010
The Prime Minister speaking in Liverpool today has set out how the Big Society will be the biggest, most dramatic redistribution of power from the state to individuals.
To read David Cameron's speech please click here
Free advice days for dog owners in Preston
19th of July 2010
Community Gateway Association and partners are holding a number of free advice days for dog owners across the city in July in response to the levels of ASB involving dogs and increasing levels of dog fouling across estates in Preston. Owners can bring their dog along for a health check, have a microchip fitted free of charge, receive reduced rates for neutering whilst talking about issues that might affect them whilst looking after their pet.
To read more please click here
Home Secretary commits to ending violence against women
19th of July 2010
Theresa May has confirmed that violence against women will be a priority for the government and has committed to:
- continuing, to the end of this financial year, the pilot scheme which helps victims of domestic violence who have no recourse to public funds because of their immigration status – and committed to finding a long-term solution to ensure victims are protected after that. The scheme provides support to victims in the UK on a spouse or partner visa who have been forced to flee the family home because of domestic violence
- reversing the decline in rape crisis centres by considering how to use the proceeds from the victim surcharge to deliver up to 15 new rape crisis centres, and give existing rape crisis centres stable, long-term funding
- responding in full to Baroness Stern’s independent review into the handling of rape complaints as part of the government’s work to tackle rape.
To find out more please click here
Campaign to combat negative images of young Londoners
15th of July 2010
A new campaign aiming to combat negative images of young Londoners and instead celebrate the contribution they make to the capital has launched today.
The 99 per cent campaign is named after the fact that less than one per cent of young people are involved in committing serious youth violence – despite the impression many Londoners have according to a recent survey.
To vist the campaign's website please click here
Government to axe National Tenants Voice
15th of July 2010
The body set up to give social housing tenants a bigger say on the national stage is to be scrapped as part of the government’s ‘bonfire of the quangos’.
Housing minister Grant Shapps met with National Tenant Voice chief executive Richard Crossley and chair Michael Gelling on Tuesday and told them the body, which was set up by the previous government, would no longer receive government funding.
Government officials claimed that the NTV was ‘too distant’ and did not represent value for money
To read the full story from Inside Hosing please click here
Review of the forced marriage support pilot published
12th of July 2010
The Ministry of Justice has published a report on the findings of the forced marriage Independent Domestic Violence Adviser support pilot.
The pilot reviewed the role Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVAs) play in supporting victims before, during and after an application for a Forced Marriage Protection Order. It also assessed whether or not IDVAs should be designated as a Relevant Third Party.
The pilot established the value of the IDVA role and feedback from the services shows that victims rely heavily on this kind of support to access a range of services beyond legal remedies. However based on the limited findings of this pilot exercise, there is no evidence to merit expanding Relevant Third Party status to the voluntary sector at this time.
To download a copy of the report, please click here
4 months sentence for persistent ASB
12th of July 2010
A Liverpool Mutual Homes tenant has been jailed for 4 months after victimising an elderly community with his persistent anti-social behaviour.
To read more please click here
Scotland - Calling time on life of crime
6th of July 2010
The Justice Secretary today visited an award winning Glasgow project which is working to help offenders turn their backs on crime and is working to transform derelict areas of Glasgow
To read the full story plesae click here
Knife crime initiative rolled out
5th of July 2010
No Knives, Better Lives campaign extended to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Clackmannanshire.
A campaign to make young people aware of the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife will be rolled out to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Clackmannanshire after a successful pilot.
To read the full story please click here
Male forced marriage on rise
5th of July 2010
Reports of men becoming victims of forced marriage are increasing, according to figures released by the Home Office
For the full story please click here
Scotland - Major justice reforms passed
1st of July 2010
Wide ranging reforms to Scotland's justice system which aim to make communities safer and stronger have been approved by the Scottish Parliament as the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Bill was voted through by MSPs.
To find out more please click here
Justice Secretary plans prison policy change
30th of June 2010
Radical prison reforms have been outlined by Justice Secretary. The new measures will involve paying private firms and voluntary groups according to how many prisoners they rehabilitate.
To find out more please click here
Public confidence target and the policing pledge scrapped
30th of June 2010
The Home Secretary has announced that the public confidence target and the policing pledge will be scrapped with immediate effect.
Tackling drink-fuelled violence and disorder is a key priority
28th of June 2010
Tackling drink-fuelled violence and disorder is a key priority for the Home Office, new Policing and Criminal Justice Minister Nick Herbert has emphasised.
To find out more plesae click here
SLCNG urges Government to rethink RIPA proposals
21st of June 2010
The SLCNG has submitted comments direct to government on its Programme for Government.
For a synopsis of the SLCNG’s comments please click on the download link below.
TSA responsibilities to HCA and ombudsman service
18th of June 2010
Grant Shapps is expected to use his speech at the annual Chartered Institute of Housing conference in Harrogate next week to confirm the widely-trailed abolition of the TSA.
To read the report of Mr Shapps’ interview with Inside Housing, please click here
Weaver test case dropped
17th of June 2010
A case expected to test whether housing associations are public bodies will not come to court after the landlord withdrew its action.
To read the full story reported by Inside Housing please click here
ACPO unveils new children and young people strategy
17th of June 2010
ACPO has published a new children and young people strategy, setting out its plans for the next three years. The strategy focuses on the need for improved partnership working at a local level. It also advocates the use of early intervention and prevention to reduce the likelihood that a child will become a repeat offender.
For more information please click here
Court pilot tackles 'revolving door' for offenders with mental health needs
16th of June 2010
Pilots in Stratford, East London, and Brighton are testing new ways for courts to address offending behaviour in people with mental health issues.
To find out more please click here
Wakefield and District Housing close nuisance property
14th of June 2010
WDH has becomes one of the first housing providers to enact the option of closure after the tenant broke the terms of an ASBI taken against her following complaints from neighbours. The application to close the property was granted at Wakefield Magistrates court last week.
As well as ordering the closure of the property, the court also issued an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) on the occupant, 61 year old Susan Harris, which prohibits her from causing harassment, alarm and distress to any person, playing loud music from any other address, or approaching her neighbour. The closure order prevents her from returning to the property.
This is National Neighbourhood & Home Watch Week
14th of June 2010
This week is National Neighbourhood and Home Watch Week. The Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network supports over 170,000 groups across England and Wales helping approximately 7.9 million households who volunteer to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour and improve community life for all.
During Neighbourhood Watch Week, which runs from 14th - 20th June, Network volunteers will take to the streets for a series of events to highlight the benefits of being in a Watch scheme.
To access more information please visit the group's website
Brent Housing Partnership holds youth consultation
14th of June 2010
Young people in Brent want to see activities based around music, fashion ICT and video production.
Brent Housing Partnership's (BHP) Resident and Community Support Team held a consultation with young residents between the ages of 11 to 18. The purpose of the consultation was to find out what activities they wanted on their estate and the surrounding area and get their view on preventing anti-social behaviour (ASB).
To read the full story please click here
Palns for private rented sector regulation scrapped
11th of June 2010
Housing Minister Grant Shapps has confirmed that the Government has no plans to introduce new regulations for the private rented sector.
New regulations were proposed by the previous administration in response to the Rugg Review of the Private Rented Sector, but have been judged by the new coalition to introduce too much additional red tape. These included a National Register of Landlords, regulation of letting and managing agents, and compulsory written tenancy agreements.
For the full story please click here
SLCNG Delivering Results Awards 2010
10th of June 2010
Now in their third year the SLCNG Awards are well established and highly valued by social landlords and their partners.
A fourth award has been added for 2010.
Nominations are now being accepted. The closing date for receipt of entries is 10th September 2010.
Winners will be announced and awards presented at the Conference Dinner on 02 November 2010 at the SLCNG Annual Conference in Birmingham.
Hillingdon Council wins war on waste as fly-tipper is jailed
10th of June 2010
A fly-tipper has been jailed for 12 months and given a 5 year ASBO for his involvement in 12 offences of fly-tipping in the Hayes area.
To read the full story please click here.
Safer Stockport Partnership closes nuisance property
10th of June 2010
Stockport obtained its fourth Nuisance Premises Closure Order on 1 June 2010 after weeks of planning and evidence gathering by Stockport Homes and the Police.
The tenants of the property had been causing serious nuisance, disorder and were supplying cannabis in the area. Residents living nearby were subjected to:
• intimidation, verbal abuse and threats;
• large numbers of callers to the address at all times of the day and night;
• drug and alcohol abuse on Ruskin Grove and in the property;
• violent incidents in the street; and
• loud parties continuing into the early hours.
To read the full story please click here
Housing Association introduces gang membership clause in all tenancy agreements
8th of June 2010
Viridian Housing is introducing a gang membership clause in all tenancy agreements. Incidents of gang related anti-social behaviour are increasing in large urban estates, often involving serious issues such as gun crime, rape and murder.
The new clause puts the Association in a better position to try and tackle the problem of gangs on its estates and in the communities where it works.
Good neighbours
8th of June 2010
Dozens of neighbours became new friends at SBHGs Neighbours Day. Residents from its estates and street properties in Fulham attended a mad hatter’s tea party.
To read the full story please click here
Riverside in Pennine - Everybody needs good neighbours
7th of June 2010
Housing association Riverside celebrated the 10th anniversary of European Neighbours Day with an event at All Blacks Rugby Club in Crigglestone, Wakefield.
Riverside Community Initiatives Team Leader Sharon Thomas said: “The event aimed to strengthen the community by encouraging neighbours to get to know each other and integrating young and old.”
Riverside was joined by partners including the fire service, whose Green Watch Crew carried out a live mock car rescue where they removed a casualty; the police whose Neighbourhood Policing Team promoted their services; and Wakefield Council, whose Dog Wardens were on hand to offer dog chipping and whose Environment Team were promoting recycling initiatives.
Other activities included face painting, music from the steel band ‘The Cherry Pickers’ and sport activities. Riverside also launched weekly housing surgeries which will be held every Tuesday 11.00am – 1.00pm at the Community House, Garden Terrace, Crigglestone.
WDH secures closure order for ASB
7th of June 2010
WDH has become one of the first housing providers to secure a premises closure order.
Working in partnership with the Police and Wakefield Council, the application to close the property was granted at Wakefield Magistrates court last week.
To read the full story please click here
Bromford mediation team targets neighbour disputes
3rd of June 2010
12 officers at the Bromford Group have achieved Mediation Practitioners Certificates accredited by the Open College Network and the Law Society.
The development is the latest measure in the Group’s clampdown on anti-social behaviour which is helping communities deal with troublesome neighbours.
HomeZone Living's community safety manager Jane Bax, said: "A total of 12 employees across the Bromford Group received training from Mike Talbot of UK Mediation and now have accredited certificates allowing them to mediate in suitable cases. However, they will not mediate in their own cases so as to ensure complete impartiality.
"The training involved learning how to assist people in a dispute, to explore and understand the differences they have and ultimately come to an agreement in settling those differences. The advantages in using mediation to resolve disputes are speed, cost savings, maintaining better relationships and achieving a win/win situation for both parties.
"It is envisaged that we will implement mediation at an earlier level to resolve neighbour disputes before situations have the opportunity to spiral out of control. We will be able to do this because we will not be constrained by cost or having to wait for an external service to be able to assist."
3 Stars and Excellent Prospects for Sheffield Homes
3rd of June 2010
Sheffield Homes has become the only organisation in the country to achieve the excellent rating three times.
Strengths identified by the Audit Commission included:
• Customers can access services easily and quickly.
• Leaflets and the website provide high quality information.
• Services are adapted to meet customer needs and to provide additional support for vulnerable people.
• Aids and adaptations are provided quickly.
• More than 33,000 homes have been improved.
• Repairs are carried out promptly.
• Nearly all properties have a valid gas safety certificate.
• Anti -social behaviour is responded to quickly, sensitively and appropriately.
• Estates are clean and tidy.
• Low costs combine with high service quality and customer satisfaction.
For more information please click here
More needs to be done to reach and safeguard detached children
3rd of June 2010
Destitute runaway children are joining gangs for security and protection according to a children's charity, The Railway Children.
Its study, Off the Radar, found half of the male children interviewed were gang members. Two-thirds of all the children had been victims of street violence and for more than one in ten domestic abuse was part of family life.
The study lists deprivation, family breakdown, the lack of positive role models, school exclusion and the need for protection on the streets among the many reasons young runaways seek the security they lack at home in gangs.
It concludes that aattempts to access hard-to-reach families have not been successful and that it is time to accept that something more needs to be done to reach and safeguard detached children and young people and provide them with alternatives.
The charity is calling on government to undertake a national review of youth service to make clear the responsibilities of local authorities in protecting young people who run away from home.
To access Off the Radar please click here
'Right to be Safe' strategy for Wales
2nd of June 2010
A Wales-wide campaign that challenges the attitude of men towards women gets underway today.
The Violence Against Women campaign aims to stamp out unacceptable attitudes and behaviour towards women before it leads to more violent forms of abuse.
Every year 1 million women experience at least one incident of domestic abuse.12,165 women were victims of rape with 19,740 being victims of other sexual assaults during 2008/9.There are an estimated 12 Honour murders a year in the UK.The Forced Marriage Unit helpline received over 1600 calls on suspected incidences of forced marriage in 2008
To read the full story please click here
Taking on the gangsters
2nd of June 2010
The public in Scotland are being asked to play a bigger role in stripping gangsters of their ill-gotten gains as new figures are published today showing that over £5.5 million of assets and criminal profits were recovered for taxpayers last year.
To read the full story please click here
Local crime data to be revamped
1st of June 2010
Crime data is to be published at a level that allows the public to see what is happening on their streets from January 2011 as part of Government’s plans to open up Government data.
For more information please click here
SARH at forefront of fight against hate crime
27th of May 2010
Stafford and Rural Homes is leading the fight against crimes of hate and discrimination in Staffordshire.
Stafford and Rural Homes has been elected to the executive committee of Chase Against Crimes of Hate (CACH) - a multi-agency partnership looking to put an end to all crimes of discrimination and prejudice in the county
For more detail click here
SCH TARGET LITTER BUGS AND VANDALS WITH NEW POWERS
27th of May 2010
Powers to issue Fixed Penalty Notices have been extended from to some ASB Officers of Solihull Community Housing to help crack down on environmental crimes in the borough.
The ASB Officers have received special training for the new role, along with new high visibility uniforms.
To read the full story please click here
LMH successful with ASBO against woman who trained dog to attack
24th of May 2010
LMH has obtained a two year ASBO against a tenant who uses her dog as a weapon.
The ASBO prevents the tenant from walking any dog which is not under control by means of a lead or held and controlled by the defendant in a defined area of Liverpool 19.
To read the full story please click here
Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill 2010
24th of May 2010
A new Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill is to be introduced in the autumn according to leaked details of the Queen's speech.
The proposed Bill is seen as the vehicle for making police forces more accountable – including oversight by what ministers refer to as a directly elected "individual". Police must also publish monthly local crime data statistics. - and a fresh crackdown on anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related violence.
High Court to decide if housing associations are public bodies
21st of May 2010
A High Court case is set to reveal whether housing associations will be treated as public bodies in certain circumstances.
The latest legal battle concerns a shared owner with Catalyst Communities Housing Association in north London.
Her landlord began possession proceedings against her in November 2009, following allegations of nuisance and damage to the property, which she denies. At a preliminary hearing in June, Ms Hart’s lawyers will claim the housing association is a public body and has breached article six of the Human Rights Act 1998.
To read the full article from Inside Housing please click here
GHA's Kate is a housing hero
21st of May 2010
GlHA Board Member Kate Willis who has campaigned for more than a decade to improve the quality of housing and the lives of the people of Castlemilk has been named Inspirational Board Member of the Year at the Housing Heroes Awards.
To read the full story please click here
Scotland - offenders paying back in 7 days
20th of May 2010
Offenders sentenced to community punishment in Scotland are starting their payback within 7 working days, according to new statistics released today.
To read more please click here
BIG lottery funds 15 projects to help marginalised young people
20th of May 2010
Young people at risk of being caught up in gang violence, young runaways and young dads are among those to receive a share of £4m Big Lottery funding. Some of the funds will go towards programmes that help reduce gang violence in Leeds, the Midlands and London.
For more information plesae click here
Solihull Community Housing is ASB Accredited
19th of May 2010
Solihull Community Housing has become one of the first housing providers in the country to achieve accreditation for its ASB service from SLCNG and Housemark.
To read the full story please click here
Plus Dane protect vulnerable residents from burglary
18th of May 2010
A housing estate for vulnerable residents in Kensington, Liverpool, has been protected from burglars following the introduction of a new partnership scheme involving Plus Dane Housing Group and Merseyside Police. Together, they introduced a number of target hardening initiatives to deter further incidents. These included securing windows, placing anti-vandal paint on the boundary walls of the estate and encouraging residents to use SelectaDNA to mark their valuable items of property.
To find out more please click here
England's first Drinks Banning Order breached
17th of May 2010
One month after receiving the first DBO in the country, Laura Hall was back in court for breaching it.
Magistrates at Redditch today found her guilty of the breach and ordered her to pay a fine of £100, plus court costs of £85 and a £15 victim surcharge.
For more information plesae click here
ASB Team Celebrate Another Successful Year
14th of May 2010
Worcester Community Housing is celebrating another successful year. Its Estate Management Team were accredited with the brand new national standard for anti-social behaviour services by the SLCNG and HouseMark at the end of 2009.
Over the last year, the team has achieved a 77.6% per cent customer satisfaction level and has dealt with in 234 reported cases of anti-social behaviour resulting in 5 evictions for antisocial behaviour, 3 suspended possession orders for ASB, 11 injunctions for ASB, 11 notices of seeking possession being served and 4 ASB injunctions with power of arrest being granted.
For more information please click here
Round-the-clock ASB reporting
6th of May 2010
Worcester Community Housing has launched a new antisocial behaviour reporting service. Customers can now make a report 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling 0845 330 1291. The initiative is designed to provide emergency support and advice and allow customers to report antisocial behaviour (ASB) concerns at a time that suits them.
For more information please click here
Should 'dangerous dogs' law be extended?
6th of May 2010
Housing associations Peabody and Affinity Sutton are pressing for laws banning dogs from being out of control in public places to be extended into homes and communal areas of flats.
To read the full story please click here
67 year-old faces eviction for anti-social behaviour
6th of May 2010
A pensioner whose anti-social behaviour caused havoc at a sheltered housing complex is to be evicted from his Council flat in Mansfield.
Mr Witherden was granted a tenancy in March 2009 and the anti social behaviour began almost immediately. Within weeks, the Council began to receive complaints. In little more than a year, he had :
- the Police called to his property on 45 occasions following complaints from neighbours
- verbally abused vulnerable tenants, including pensioners and people with disabilities
made the lives of two residents so miserable they were moved to other Council properties - been convicted of assaulting a Council Tenancy Support Officer
- had violent arguments and fights with his partner
- upset elderly residents by exposing himself while walking around in a public area at the complex.
Residents were so angered by his behaviour that they submitted a 36 name petition to Mansfield District Council.
He has been told he must leave his home by 10 June 2010 after Mansfield District Council successfully obtained a possession order at Nottingham County Court following a two and a half day hearing.
Please click here for more details
Guide on agreeing local offers
4th of May 2010
HouseMark has now updated and reissued its free guidance on agreeing local offers. The guidance, How to develop and monitor local performance measures: a guide for tenants and landlords, offers tips for landlords and tenants to work together to agree their own standards.
The guidance has been revised to reflect developments over the past year. It is based on findings from a HouseMark project originally supported by an Innovation and Good Practice grant from the Housing Corporation and draws on the contributions of more than 30 social landlords and their tenants. The TSA has endorsed the revision.
Click here for the guide (pdf)
Police Asbo cars in Lancashire are hailed a succes
2nd of May 2010
Four police cars dedicated to answering calls on anti-social behaviour in Lancashire have been hailed a success. The cars, staffed by two officers, have been operating in the Blackpool area since the beginning of January. They have proved so successful that the Lancashire force has decided to keep them answering calls on bad behaviour for the foreseeable future.
Click here for more information
N Ireland introduces High Hedges legislation
1st of May 2010
Legislation designed to help people adversely affected by high hedges near their property was introduced in the Assembly in recent days. The Bill will empower local councils to act in disputes over loss of light to a domestic property due to a neighbouring high hedge.
The Bill will apply to lines of two or more evergreen or semi-evergreen trees and will introduce a system similar to that which has been operating successfully in England and Wales since 2005.
Click here for more information
GHA bikes will help cut crime in communities
30th of April 2010
GHA has supplied 20 new bikes and 53 sets of equipment to Strathclyde Police to cut crime and make communities safer.
Tackling anti-social behaviour across the city is a key priority not only for GHA and Strathclyde Police but also for residents throughout Glasgow. A GHA Tenants’ Survey highlighted vandalism, graffiti and groups of young people hanging around the streets as some of the top concerns for residents.
The new bikes and equipment, which are worth nearly £23,000, will increase the visibility of the officers and will also allow easier, quicker and quieter access to areas such as rear courts and paths.
To read the full story please click here
Help for men abused by partners
28th of April 2010
Scotland's first helpline for men suffering from domestic abuse goes live today.
Trained advisors are staffing the Men's Advice Line - 0808 801 0327 - providing practical advice and emotional support to men who are abused by their partners.
Over 7,000 men in Scotland reported being abused by a partner last year.
SLCNG Awards 2010 now open
28th of April 2010
The SLCNG 2010 awards have been launched today. The awards are to be given to people on the front-line who have made a difference to their community in tackling anti-social behaviour.
The Group’s Operations Manager, Sharon Mackley, said, “Anti-social behaviour is an issue for all communities throughout the UK and is by no means restricted to the social housing sector. Over the last decade and more, it has been social landlords and their residents who have led the way in shaping and delivering effective practice. These awards, by recognising and celebrating effective practice, demonstrate the widening role and effectiveness of residents, social landlords and their partners in dealing with the issues that matter most to people locally.”
For full details of the 2010 Awards please click here
Scotland - latest Racist Incidents Report published
27th of April 2010
This publication presents the latest figures on racist incidents recorded by Scottish Police Forces.
The main findings are:
There were 5,123 racist incidents recorded in 2008-09, compared to the 5,244 incidents recorded in 2007-08. This equates to a two per cent decrease on 2007-08.
The number of crimes decreased in 2008-09 (from 6,673 crimes in 2007-08 to 6,590 crimes in 2008-09), which equates to a decrease of one per cent.
In 2008-09, around 98 per cent of incidents reported resulted in one or more crimes being recorded.
The most frequently recorded crime in 2008-09 was racially aggravated conduct, accounting for 58 per cent of all racist related crimes recorded.
In 2008-09, around 48 per cent of victims, for which ethnic origin was known, were of Asian origin (that is, Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi or other Asian), with the majority being Pakistani.
For those incidents where perpetrator information was available, approximately 96 per cent of perpetrators, for which ethnic origin was known, were of white origin.
To download the report please click here
Brits lose sleep over noisy neighbours, finds Which?
27th of April 2010
At least three million UK adults are currently suffering from noisy neighbours, but over a third fail to take any action, according to the experts at Which? Legal Service.
New research found that the public is most disturbed by their neighbours' loud voices or arguing, with six in ten people affected, while four in ten sufferers have had to endure loud music or televisions blaring.
Neighbour noise takes its toll on sleep, with six in ten currently affected in this way, while others complain that the noise makes them irritable, angry or stressed. One in ten sufferers have seen their work or health affected.
Despite these issues, 36 per cent of people suffering from noisy neighbours have made no attempts to rectify the problem.
To find out more please click here
CIH House Proud campaign shows housing providers as effective weapons against ASB
26th of April 2010
Housing providers efforts are being rewarded by growing recognition of their role at the forefront of tackling ASB..
The penultimate instalment of the Inside Housing’s and the CIH House Proud campaign, which makes the case for continued investment in housing, demonstrates the massive difference ASB initiatives are making to people’s lives with a taster of the array of initiatives landlords offer. The report also explains why housing providers are proving such effective weapons in the national drive to clamp down on nuisance behaviour
To read the full story from Inside Housing please click here
Greater joint working between Ombudsman services for social housing tenants
22nd of April 2010
The Local Government Ombudsman and the Housing Ombudsman have agreed to promote closer working between them for the benefit of tenants, landlords and other interested parties.
Two Ombudsman services – the Local Government Ombudsman and the Housing Ombudsman – have agreed to promote closer working between them for the benefit of tenants, landlords and other interested parties. It will make it easier for social housing tenants to access their services.
The two services have signed a ‘protocol’ setting out arrangements for greater joint working and sharing of information between them. It will help direct social housing tenants to the appropriate Ombudsman scheme. It also paves the way for more collaborative working between the two schemes, for example in relation to feedback to landlords, staff development and the issue of good practice guidance.
For more information please click here
Kidderminster court issues England's first drinking ban
21st of April 2010
Kidderminster magistrates have become the first in the country to ban a person from licensed premises and off-licences across England and Wales. Laura Hall, 20, of Bromsgrove, was given a Drinking Banning Order on 16 April. The DBO will last for two years and prohibits her from consuming alcohol or purchasing alcohol in pubs, nightclubs, membership clubs or hotels, and from purchasing alcohol in shops and off licences. It also bans her from having alcohol in any unsealed container or consuming alcohol in any public place. The conditions apply throughout England and Wales. The order also requires her to undertake an approved course to tackle her alcohol-misuse issues.
To read the story in full please click here
Public body status nearer for registered providers
19th of April 2010
Registered providers have moved another step closer to public body status according to analysis of the case of McIntyre v Gentoo Group by Hugo Stephens of Cobbetts published in Inside Housing last Friday.
To read the article please click here
Derby FIP making real progress
9th of April 2010
Supported by Derby Homes, the Derby FIP has received 66 referrals to the project, 50 to the ASB arm and 16 to the Youth Crime arm of the project. The youth element of the project has only been up and running since June 2009 and was born out of the Youth Crime Action Plan.
To find out more please click on the download button below.
Resident who kept 38 dogs at his home told to leave
9th of April 2010
An Oxford resident who kept 38 dogs has been ordered to leave his home following a raft of complaints from neighbours.
To read the full story plesae click here
Multi agency ASB standards for Derby
9th of April 2010
Key partners in Derby have united in publishing service standards on ASB as a demonstration of their joint commitment to residents. The document has been hailed an example of best practice by the Government Office for the East Midlands.
Scottish lawlords to rule on disclosure of sex offenders addresses
9th of April 2010
Scottish law lords will announce within weeks if police will be forced to reveal the areas in which sex offenders are housed, following a court case by three housing associations. Blochairn Housing Co-operative, Craigdale Housing Association and Dunbritton Housing Association are taking the action because they believe that sex offenders are being housed in disproportionate numbers in poorer communities.
To read the full story from Iside Housing please click here
TENANT ORDERED NOT TO KEEP DANGEROUS DOGS
7th of April 2010
A tenant of Wolverhampton Homes has been ordered not to keep two dangerous dogs at her home.
Penelope Watton, of Wheatley Street, Parkfields, agreed to sign an undertaking at Wolverhampton County Court last week not to keep the two dogs at her home which had caused a nightmare for residents in the area.
The dogs had killed a neighbour's chickens in December 2008 and a cat in October 2009, as well as frightening passers-by and staff from Wolverhampton Homes.
Wolverhampton Homes originally sought an injunction banning Miss Watton from keeping dogs at her home but before it came to court, she re-housed the dogs.
One dog remains at the home but following consultation with neighbours, it is not a cause for concern.
Miss Watton has now signed an undertaking until 31 March 2011, which states she will provide fencing to stop the dog getting out, keep the dog on a lead when outside the home and garden and clear all dog mess up.
She also agreed that she will not keep any other dogs at her home (except for the one permitted by court), allow any other dogs to visit, allow the dog outside of the home and garden unsupervised and allow any animal to cause nuisance, harassment, alarm and distress, or annoy or frighten neighbours or anyone working in home.
Erica Spelman, Antisocial Behaviour Co-ordinator at Wolverhampton Homes, said: "Between the time we issued proceedings at court for the injunction and yesterday's hearing, Miss Watton re-housed the two dogs that were a problem.
"One dog remains at the home, however we do not have any concerns about it and neighbours have said they have not had a problem with the remaining dog.
"Dogs can be wonderful companions but tenants must make sure their pets are not a danger to other animals or people. Any tenants who do not keep their pets under control will be dealt with using the full force of the law."
Statutory guidance on homeless 16 and 17 year olds
6th of April 2010
Statutory guidance was issued on 1 April 2010 to local authorities jointly by the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families and the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. It provides revised guidance for children's services authorities and local housing authorities about their respective duties under Part 3 of the Children Act 1989 and Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996 to secure or provide accommodation for homeless 16 and 17 year old children, following the judgment by the House of Lords in the case of R(G) v London Borough of Southwark (2009).
To read the guidance please click here
Developing a modern regulatory framework for Housing Associations in Wales
6th of April 2010
The Welsh Assembly Government has launched the second phase of a two stage consultation on performance standards. This consultation relates to a proposed common set of activity standards for Housing Associations and local government housing providers.
The consultation period closes 19 May 2010
For more information please click here
Youth Crime Action Plan update
1st of April 2010
This document outlines the progress and achievements of the Youth Crime Action Plan since 2008 and provides case studies of where YCAP work has been brought together. It also provides next steps to take the YCAP forward.
To view the document please click here
Anti-Social Behaviour Action Team in place
1st of April 2010
From 6 April 2010 a new Anti-Social Behaviour Action Team will work on a regional basis with housing providers who need support to:
• reduce instances of anti-social behaviour
• improve the fabric of communities
• bring about lasting change for their tenants.
They will operate at a strategic level offering advice and guidance on the best way to tackle wider ASB issues in the community. They will seek to share existing best practice, to help make the best use of existing resources and ultimately to help secure improvements in services delivered to tenants.
Funding from CLG has enabled this team to deliver their services to landlords without charge.
If you would like know more about the ASB Action Team or to make use of the services and support, please click here.
Youth groups in Scotland benefit from cashback
31st of March 2010
Six Scottish youth organisations have been awarded seized criminal cash to help them Be Prepared. The award of half a milliion pounds over two years from the Government's CashBack fund will benefit the activities of the Boys' Brigade, Clubs for Young People, Girls' Brigade in Scotland, Girlguiding Scotland and Youth Scotland, in addition to the Scottish Council of the Scout Association. CashBack for Communities is a program of diversionary activities for young people to increase their opportunities to develop interests and skills in an enjoyable, fulfilling and supported way, using funds recovered from criminals.
For more information please click here
Extra funding to fight domestic abuse in Wales
25th of March 2010
An extra one million pounds is being made available to tackle all forms of violence against women in Wales, under a new strategy to be unveiled by the assembly government.
For more information please click here
Hate crime law comes into force in Scotland
24th of March 2010
Legislation to better protect disabled people and those from lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered communities comes in to force today.
To find out more please click here
Guidance on managing ASB related to Gypsies and Travellers
23rd of March 2010
New Guidance has been produced to support agencies in their approach to tackling ASB associated with Gypsies and Travellers, whether they are the victims or the perpetrators, and sets out the powers and tools available and how they may be used.
To read the full story and to download the guidance please click here
Homophobic hatred could lead to jail
23rd of March 2010
People who intentionally stir up homophobic hatred could face up to seven years in prison under a new criminal offence introduced today.
To read the full story plesae click here
TSA standards unveiled
16th of March 2010
The Tenant Services Authority has today published the final version of the standards it will use to regulate housing associations, councils and co-operatives from 1 April.
Count Me In
16th of March 2010
Thousands of young people are being asked to join a campaign to put an end to knife crime. The Count Me In: Together We Can Stop Knife Crime is being led by Families Utd, a charitable organisation representing the families of victims of knife crime.
To find out more about the campaign, please click here
Neighbourhood Watched 2
11th of March 2010
Neighbourhood Watched, the television documentary following housing officers in the north west, is to return for a second series. Filming for a second series starts next month.The series will again follow front-line staff from landlords New Charter Housing Association and Housing Pendle
TSA Standards to be rebranded
11th of March 2010
The TSA is to change the names of the standards it expects landlords to reach according to TSA board member Jim Coulter. The six ‘national standards’ all landlords must meet will be renamed ‘TSA standards’ after feedback on the draft regulatory framework suggested the original name was confusing. Similarly, ‘local standards’ will be rebranded as ‘local offers’.
Mr Coulter explained that the TSA had feedback about its terminology and that a number of adjustments are being made.
The final version of the ‘standards’ is expected next week.
Police Report Card
11th of March 2010
A report to be published today by HMIC criticises strongly the way the police in England and Wales deal with complaints of ASB. The HMIC survey found found that in 23% of incidents of anti-social behaviour officers did not turn up.
Almost all the victims in these cases said they were dissatisfied with the explanation given.
Professor Gloria Laycock, director of the Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science, said communities needed to take some control. She said her research from Germany found parents, communities, schools, and teachers took more responsibility than in the UK.
The HMIC report presents a range of data drawn from sources such as CIPFA and Home Office crime stastictis. These include comparison of costs, comparison of staffing levels, local funding rates, staffing by function and incidents of anti-social behaviour.
To read the BBC’s report please click here
You Be the Judge
10th of March 2010
A new interactive website, You Be the Judge, went online today. The purpose of the site is to help the public understand that sentencing is not just an arbitrary decision but a difficult and complex process based on many factors.
For more information please click here
Sports project helping tackle antisocial behaviour will return
5th of March 2010
A project tackling antisocial behaviour in a popular park, which saw a 75 per cent drop in calls to police, has been praised by Home Office Minister Alan Campbell.
Operation Windburn ran in Wigan’s Mesnes Park last summer and was so successful that local authorities plan to repeat the project, which included coaching sessions by Wigan Athletic Football Club, this summer.
To find out more plesae click here
Victims should have 'guarantee of protection'
5th of March 2010
New guidance on assessing and managing risk in ASB cases expected to emphasise that victims and witnesses should be the focus of every agency.
To read more from Inside Housing click here
PACE review will cut police bureaucracy
4th of March 2010
PACE review will cut police bureaucracy.
Chief constables are to be given greater powers to use back-office staff for routine tasks and simplifying pre-charge bail procedures.
New measures earmarked for the Act will help reduce bureaucracy and increase frontline time by:
- increasing the flexibility of chief constables to use back-office staff for appropriate routine tasks
- simplifying procedures for issuing bail and dealing with those who breach it
- reducing time spent dealing with detainees by issuing guidance to chief constables on making best use of short-term detention facilities.
For more information please click here
Tougher sentences for knife possession
4th of March 2010
The quarterly sentencing figures for the period October to December 2009 published today, show that more criminals continue to go to prison for carrying a knife - and for longer - while the number of cautions for knife possession has fallen again.
To read the full story please click here
National Police Improvement Agency Guide on working with the third sector
4th of March 2010
This guide is one in a series produced by the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) Citizen Focus and Neighbourhood Policing Programme Team aimed at increasing engagement with the public.
The aim of the guide is to help Basic Command Unit commanders, partners and neighbourhood policing team officers to
work more closely with third sector organisations, incluiding housing asdsociations, at a local level.
To download the guide please click here
Sandwell Homes targets drug dealing tenants
4th of March 2010
Sandwell Homes has launched a new campaign to target drug dealing tenants across the borough after teaming up with the Safer Sandwell Partnership.
The campaign, which has seen posters being erected around Sandwell and on the back of buses in the borough, aims to raise awareness of the penalties for dealing and growing drugs in rented accommodation, with a focus on the likelihood of eviction.
For more details please click here
Child Sex Offender Disclosure scheme set for national roll out
3rd of March 2010
The Child Sex Offender Disclosure scheme will now roll out to 18 new police force areas from August following successful pilots. The pioneering scheme improves protection for children by giving members of the public a formal mechanism to make enquires about people who are in contact with children
For more information please click here
Scotland improving community safety
1st of March 2010
Five projects across Scotland where residents help decide how best to allocate resources to tackle antisocial behaviour are to receive a share of £100,000
To read the full story click here
Scotland - green light for disclosure plans
28th of February 2010
Parents all across Scotland will soon be able to get access to information about known sex offenders who may be in contact with their children. The Justice Secretary has confirmed the Scottish Government will bring forward the timetable for rolling out a sex offender disclosure scheme, currently being trialled in Tayside.
To read the full story click here
clamp down on serious youth violence
26th of February 2010
Serious youth violence was the target of a high-profile police campaign in Merseyside today.
The operation is one of a series taking place across the country to clamp down on serious youth violence as part of the Tackling Knives Action Programme (TKAP) and saw police officers in Liverpool Lime Street railway station conducting searches for weapons and distributing leaflets on the dangers and consequences of violent crime.
To read the full story please click here
Use of rape to punish girl gang members and relatives of rivals
25th of February 2010
Young women are being exploited and subjected to sexual violence as a result of gang reprisals, according to a report.
The report says little is known about the numbers of women and girls affected by gang violence - and highlights how the few services that do exist are chronically under-resourced and over-stretched.
The issue of girls involved in gang crime is not just confined to black communities living in the impoverished estates of London. The East End of Glasgow has one of the highest knife crime rates in western Europe. Young white men are predominantly involved, but in recent years there has been a shift. According to workers on a youth project on the Easterhouse estate, children as young as seven are getting drawn into the violence and increasing numbers of girls are getting involved.
To read the BBC Radio 4 report click here
Cracking down on kerb crawlers
24th of February 2010
Officers in Southampton are trying to tackle street prostitution not by targeting the girls but by directly targetting the men who go out looking for sex.
In 2000 the force launched the Change Course, a one-day programme aiming to rehabilitate kerb-crawlers.The men have to pay £200 to attend - the price of a court fine - and after running costs are deducted, any extra cash raised goes back into the community affected by prostitution.
Southampton's Vice Team has handed out more than £4,700 to good causes, including those in place to support street sex workers.
Figures reveal that in 2003 the force was aware of 320 prostitutes working in Southampton, but that number was recently down to about 30.
The Policing and Crime Act, designed to tackle crime and disorder, received Royal Assent on 12 November, 2009.
It includes a new offence of paying for sex with a prostitute who is controlled for gain, alongside changes to loitering offences, kerb-crawling offences and brothel closure orders
To read the ful article from the BBC please click here
Bail hostel contract given to housing group
24th of February 2010
The government has decided not to renew its contract with a private company which provides bail hostel accommodation in England and Wales. It has said a three-year deal had been signed with housing group Stonham.
In 2009, failings were identified at a hostel run by ClearSprings where a man was murdered by another resident.
For more information click here
Micro Beat Policing Reduces ASB
23rd of February 2010
An intensive method of tackling crime and anti-social behaviour which sees police officers dedicated to micro-beats of just three streets was visited by Policing and Crime Minister David Hanson MP today.
Micro-beats were launched in Stockbridge Village Estate last month with the area now divided into 12 policing areas. The rigorous policing method was successfully used in Croxteth and is now being employed to improve the lives of residents on this once troubled Knowsley estate.
Since the introduction of micro-beats five police officers and 12 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) have formed strong links with residents through door to door patrols. More than 200 people have now signed up to the Knowsley Community Messaging Service - a free service where residents receive crime alerts by text, email or phone, relevant to where they live. Members can also feed back information confidentially to the Safer Knowsley Partnership.
According to police recorded crime statistics for 2008/09, overall crime in Knowsley fell by 11 per cent from 2007/08.
Alongside micro-beats a 'Weed and Seed' programme has also been introduced to Stockbridge Village Estate that sees police, the local authority and housing associations identifying and targeting individual trouble-makers and their families, taking fast, firm action where appropriate. The local authority and its partners has also committed to a major regeneration project that will transform the village centre and provide new facilities for the community.
To read more please click here
Prisoner early release scheme to be halted by April
22nd of February 2010
The government is to halt the prisoner early release scheme designed to ease jail overcrowding in England and Wales.
Justice Secretary Jack Straw told the House of Commons that the scheme would be phased out from 12 March and see the the last inmates freed on 9 April. Prison chiefs began using the scheme in June 2007 amid rising prisoner numbers.
Since then, around 80,000 inmates serving up to four years for a range of less serious offences have been released up to 18 days early.
To read more please click here
