A victim-centred approach will be followed ensuring that residents have access to appropriate support services and feel able to work with BCH staff in the investigation of the incident. We carry out a risk assessment by asking questions on the impact it has had on you and the ongoing issues it causes.
We will also complete an action plan, which details how we manage your case, our expectations of you and how often we will contact you.
When a report of ASB is made, we will record and categorise this and will acknowledge your complaint according to the following timescales:
| Category | Examples | Timescale |
|
HIGH |
Hate crime Domestic Abuse Violence Criminal activity |
1 working day |
|
MEDIUM |
Verbal abuse Criminal damage Ongoing noise nuisance Intimidating/abusive behaviour |
5 working days |
|
LOW |
Noise Animal nuisance Nuisance from vehicles |
7 working days |
| Please note: the timescale provided relates to acknowledging your ASB report, not its resolution, which will be discussed with you individually. |
Intervention and Enforcement
BCH will consider all options available when investigating and taking action in a case of ASB and will use the legislative framework to ensure the protection of victims and to stop the incidents repeating. There are a range of tools and powers available, some of which are delivered in partnership with other agencies. These include:
- Written & verbal warnings
- Extension of Introductory Tenancies
- Injunctions
- Demotion Orders
- Notice of Seeking Possession
- Parenting Contracts
- Community Protection Notices
- Good Neighbour Card
- Mediation
- Acceptable Behaviour Contracts
- Criminal Behaviour Orders
- Closure Powers
- Notice of Pending Possession
- Tenancy Cautions
- Absolute Ground for Possession
- Eviction
Our Approach
BCH recognises that eviction is a useful tool to tackle ASB and will use the discretionary and absolute grounds for possession when appropriate. However, in order to promote social inclusion and prevent homelessness, eviction to resolve ASB will only be used when other actions have not been or will not be successful.
BCH will not move tenants who are either experiencing or committing ASB as a means of resolving the issue or to deal with a situation (other than in exceptional circumstances).
Case closures |
BCH will close cases where any of the following applies:
- The case has been resolved
- There is insufficient evidence for any action to be taken
- There is a lack of response or engagement from reporters
- Where it is established that the complaint is false or unreasonable.
When your case is closed, BCH will inform you. If you disagree with your case being closed, you can request that the case is reviewed by a Team Leader. We will carry out a further risk assessment at case closure.
Should you remain unhappy following this, you have the choice to make a complaint and the Team Leader will action this for you and provide you with the necessary information.