Anti-Social Behaviour

What the council can do about ASB

We are committed to making sure every resident can enjoy peace, safety and respect in their home and community. However, we understand the serious impact ASB can have on personal wellbeing and community welfare.

How we respond to reports of ASB

When ASB is reported, we look at each case individually. We assess all cases fairly, following council policy, government guidance and the law.

How we assess antisocial behaviour

All situations are different. Some cases are complex. We work with you to understand the impact on you. We often ask for evidence to help us act. This may include:

  • The nature, frequency, and severity of the behaviour
  • The effects on you, other people, and the community
  • Whether the behaviour is deliberate, persistent, or escalating
  • Any vulnerabilities of any person affected

We recognise that even minor ASB can become serious when happening repeatedly. For example, regular noise late at night may disrupt rest. This may affect someone’s health or ability to work and may be treated as ASB.

Our approach to tackling ASB

We take a considered approach to tackling antisocial behaviour. This focuses on prevention, early intervention, partnership working and enforcement where necessary.

Prevention

The council has established ASB strategy and policy that include but is not limited to:

  • Awareness and safety advice, visits, and public campaigns
  • Visible officers and assets
  • CCTV coverage in town centres and council property
  • Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs)
  • Support for vulnerable people and communities
  • Alternative youth pathways and guidance
Early intervention and advice

In many cases, issues can be resolved at an early stage through:

  • Advice and guidance
  • Signposting to support services
  • Verbal and written warnings
  • Agreeing acceptable behaviours with things like Good Neighbour Agreements
  • Mediation
Partnership working

To ensure a coordinated response, we work closely with:

  • Police
  • Housing associations and private landlords
  • Internal services like Housing, Environmental Health, and Social Services
  • Community safety partners
Enforcement action

If behaviour continues or is serious, we may take formal action. This can include:

  • Community Protection Notice (CPN) to prevent ongoing ASB
  • Anti-Social Behaviour Injunction (ASBI) to regulate a person’s conduct
  • Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) fines for things like breaching a PSPO or CPN
  • Closure Orders to temporarily restrict access to problem properties
  • Tenancy action to maintain acceptable behaviour for those in council housing
  • Restorative justice to repair harm caused while holding offenders accountable

However, we will always need evidence before taking any action.

Report antisocial behaviour

Read the council's policy statement for antisocial behaviour.

ASB Case Review (previously Community Trigger)

People who do not feel enough had been done about the ASB they reported, may request an ASB Case Review. It is an effective way to check for missed opportunities or decide if further action can be taken, through a formal multi-agency review.

If you are considering an ASB Case Review, further information can be found at The ASB Case Review including threshold criteria and how to apply.