Decision details

To approve the draft Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy for public consultation.

RESOLVED: 

That Cabinet supported the process for implementing the ASB Strategy and approved the draft Strategy for public consultation.

KEY DECISION: 

Yes

PORTFOLIO: 

Housing and Homelessness 

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED: 

As set out in the report. 

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: 

None 

DISCUSSION: 

The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Homelessness introduced the report, highlighting that the last ASB Strategy had been adopted in 2013.  A new Strategy was proposed which took into consideration good practice and guidance as well as the Social Housing Regulation Act (2023) which places an additional focus on housing landlords to prevent and tackle ASB.  The draft Strategy had been considered and supported by the Tenant Involvement Group as well as the Housing and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel.  There were four clearly defined strategic priorities.

A number of non-Cabinet members welcomed and supported the draft Strategy, recognising the importance of partnership working and that the local community needed to be encouraged to live together harmoniously.  The issue of deprivation and child poverty was raised noting that a fifth of New Forest children were in receipt of free school meals.  It was suggested that this had not been reflected sufficiently in the strategy.  In response, the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Homelessness acknowledged this point and reported that there had been a restructure of the estate management team to create a new neighbourhood team in order to respond to and resolve any issues before they escalate further.  The other part of the team would focus on tenancy sustainment and support, which would link vulnerable people to any necessary support, and therefore this had been considered.