We have signed up to something called the ‘Respect Standard for housing management’, part of the Government’s Respect Agenda. By signing up we want to show that we are committed to doing all we can to put a stop to unacceptable behaviour in your community. To meet the Respect Standard we need to:
- take issues of antisocial behaviour (ASB) and respect seriously
- involve residents in the decisions we make and work together to sort out issues
- do all we can to prevent antisocial behaviour happening in the first place
- provide an individual and sensitive approach to support everyone who reports issues to us use our legal powers, where necessary, to put a stop to antisocial behaviour and make sure our staff are well-trained to do this, and
- provide support to those who are acting in an antisocial way and help them find long-term solutions and turn their lives around.
To mark the start of our involvement with the Respect Standard, we held an official launch at Newbury in November 2007, with staff and residents who were informed about our future plans.
We have already made improvements such as updating our policy and procedures on antisocial behaviour and introduced a new ASB hotline. A new plan will also help us meet the ‘Respect Standard’. This includes actions like:
- using more ‘good neighbour agreements’ to promote respectful behaviour
- improving our links with partner agencies in areas where we have lots of homes
- Setting up an antisocial behaviour phone line, for you to report antisocial behaviour
- Providing more advice and support if you are experiencing antisocial behaviour
- investing money in the community to help divert people from antisocial behaviour
- providing more support to those at risk of taking part in antisocial behaviour
- Improving training for staff so they are better skilled to deal with all aspects of ASB
We know our goals are ambitious; however, we are confident that we can continue to reduce unacceptable behaviour in our communities, but only with your help and support.
Links to our current publications
You have our word that we are committed. Are you?
For more information on the Respect Standard and our plans, check visit the ‘Respect’ website at www.respect.gov.uk, www.communities.gov.uk or call Winston Nelson, Resident Services Manager on 01202 460332