Press release 61/04: 16 November 2004

Corporation chief calls for housing associations to work together in fight against anti-social behaviour

"Anti-social behaviour wrecks communities. Renewing our housing stock and improving services will not be enough if people feel threatened in their homes and are frightened to walk the streets" - the words of Jon Rouse, Chief Executive of the Housing Corporation as he addressed a conference yesterday.

Jon was a guest speaker at the 'Anti-Social Behaviour RSL Academy' held in London. Other speakers at event included Keith Hill, Minister of State, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, and Louise Casey, National Director of the Anti-Social Behaviour Unit.

The event organised by the Home Office focused on the work that is taking place across the country to tackle the problem of anti-social behaviour as well as providing practical advice on how to deal with the issues.

Delegates were able to take part in sessions on housing interventions, obtaining ASBOs, multi-agency working, supporting witnesses and warnings and agreements.

Jon Rouse said: "Tackling anti-social behaviour is a real challenge for all agencies. People have a right to live in their homes without fear of harassment or violence.

"It is important that we all work together to bring about real change and help to improve the quality of life for those whose lives are made a misery by the actions of others."

Ends

Notes to editors

• Protecting our communities - a Housing Corporation booklet on how housing associations are tackling anti-social behaviour will be available shortly from www.housingcorp.gov.uk
• The Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 placed an obligation on the Corporation to issue guidance to the housing sector on developing policies and procedures on anti-social behaviour and this was issued in August 2004. The Housing Corporation has commissioned a number of practical guides and toolkits for associations to use. These include:
  • costing neighbourhood warden schemes - this guide and CD allow housing associations to develop cost benefit analysis of warden schemes and make a clear business case for funding.
  • tackling anti-social behaviour toolkit - a comprehensive resource for practitioners, covering areas such as dealing with noisy neighbours and how to get the best out of your solicitor
  • No Bother! - this is a tool-kit for tackling youth nuisance. It starts with the overarching principle that young people must be part of any solution. There are separate sections for associations and resident groups.
  
  For more information please contact: Sandra White on 020 7393 2094 or email sandra.white@housingcorp.gsx.gov.uk