The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) today welcomes Home Secretary Theresa May’s intention to review the tools used to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB).  Speaking at the Coin Street Community Centre in London today she said that it was time to ‘turn the system on its head’.

Joanne Kent-Smith, CIH Senior Policy & Practice Offer, said: “We are pleased with today’s announcement.  The Home Secretary’s views will echo those of many social landlords, whose thoughts we captured in our May 2010 survey of housing providers.

 “The CIH recognises that ASB is a key concern for both tenants and communities and for most social landlords tackling ASB is at the core of its activity.

“The challenges faced by housing professionals are highlighted in the recent survey findings published in ‘Taking Action against anti-social behaviour’, the survey results showed two key challenges; the use of existing powers and tools and the complexities of existing solutions.  This review provides an opportunity to streamline existing tools - to improve effectiveness on the ground and remove some of the complexities and confusion.  However we strongly caution against removing tools which are currently being used to good effect and are protecting communities.

She continued: “ASB is a very complex issue; and as some communities are wary about working directly with the police. The importance of close working relationships between the police, housing providers and other local community agencies should not be underestimated if public confidence and social responsibility is to be enhanced.  Essentially there should be adequate resources in place locally to both support victims and witnesses of ASB, and to identify and prioritise those at greatest risk.”

*ENDS*

News release issued on behalf of the CIH by Josie Twinning, CIH Head of Marketing and Communications, Octavia House, Westwood Way, Coventry CV4 8JP. Telephone: 02476 851796 or 07940 987 541. Email: press@cih.org.

Notes to Editors:
1. The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) is the professional body for people involved in housing and communities. We are a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation. We have a diverse and growing membership of 22,000 – both in the public and private sectors – living and working in over 20 countries on five continents across the world. Our members work for local authorities, housing associations, Arms Length Management Organisations, Government bodies, educational establishments and the private sector. Many tenants and residents are also members. We exist to maximise the contribution that housing professionals make to the wellbeing of communities. Further information is available at: www.cih.org

2. The survey ‘Taking Action against anti-social behaviour’ was published in June 2010, it was a joint publication between the CIH, TSA and CLG.  The survey is available at http://www.cih.org/asbactionteam/baseline-survey.htm or for more information please contact the CIH Press Office.

3. The CIH’s team of national ASB advisors are on hand to work with social landlords across England to support sector led improvement of ASB services, and help improve services to residents and communities for more information please contact the CIH Press Office.