Anti-Social Behaviour and Hate Crime Policy

1. To manage customer expectations of the action we can take and to ensure we aim to achieve the best outcomes as possible for all involved parties.

2. Being committed to identifying potential problems at the earliest possible stage and in making positive intervention to prevent situations becoming more serious, including the use of mediation where appropriate.

3. We take an active role in preventing ASB but where this is not preventable, we will take swift and effective action to address and resolve any incidents, working collaboratively with partner agencies to ensure a joined-up approach utilising the strengths and powers available to each partner.

4. To ensure we have comprehensive policies and procedures in place that are compliant with the current legislation and best practice, yet, remain flexible to the needs of the community we serve.

5. To ensure that all ASB and hate crime complaints which directly or indirectly affect our housing services functions are dealt with in a non-discriminatory way.

6. To provide leadership in tackling ASB, doing so effectively, and in a timely and appropriate manner and where possible, look to modifying behaviour through support, persuasion and legal sanction rather than moving or displacing ASB through eviction or re-housing.

7. Where appropriate, consider the use of relevant legal interventions, as provided for in current legislation, including obtaining injunctions against the perpetrators of the ASB, seeking possession of perpetrators’ homes, and asking partner agencies to make use of powers available to them, including dispersal orders. The use of Ground 7a of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 for absolute possession will be considered in circumstances where a court has already found a tenant or member of their household guilty of ASB or criminality in the locality of their property.

8. To encourage our customers and people living, visiting and working in our neighbourhoods to report ASB and hate crime and we provide a range of ways to report these activities: • Website via Incident page • Email • Webchat • In writing • Telephone • Self-Serve App (for Halton Housing Customers)

9. Risk Management – ASB and hate crime is a key responsibility for housing, care and support providers. Halton Housing will seek to mitigate business risk through this policy. However, the risk is not just to the business – the first and most crucial risk is to customers. Where it is practicably possible, we will always try and safeguard children and adults at risk who live in our homes or receive our services.

10. We will ensure staff are managed on their performance on dealing with ASB and Hate Crime cases through; one to one’s, the annual appraisal process and being fully informed and trained on all relevant legislation in relation to ASB.

11. We will provide a cost-effective service for all customers with agreed identified budgets for the prevention and resolution of ASB. When using external services, we will market test to ensure value for money is obtained and we will ensure that our costs are open and transparent.