Issue - meetings

(a)       That the contents of the report be noted; and

(b)       That all Members be invited to contribute to the proposed Responsible Pet Ownership Policy for Council tenants.

The Neighbourhood Housing Manager (North) presented an update on progress of the service in relation to the management of anti-social behaviour (ASB) following approval of the new ASB Policy in 2013.

In outlining the key considerations in the report, she spoke of the benefits of a new IT system (ReACT) and the recruitment of two additional specialist ASB officers together with provision of an external out of hours support service for victims of ASB.  To support the Council’s stance in tackling ASB and to protect the Council’s investment in improvement works, there would be a reduced priority for tenants who deliberately damaged or neglected their properties.  In example case studies where legal action had been taken, it was noted that the preferred approach was to apply for an injunction as this was cheaper, faster and more effective in terms of managing behaviour than eviction, which was used as a last resort.  In addition, there were plans to develop a policy for responsible pet ownership in response to concerns from residents about  pet related nuisance and in particular, the increasing problem of dog fouling.

In welcoming the progress made, Councillor Paul Shotton asked that his appreciation be relayed to Gerwyn Davies and his colleagues for their advice which encouraged tenants to report incidents of ASB.  In response to plans to develop services for those experiencing domestic abuse, he referred to the ‘White Ribbon Day’ which had publicised excellent work in that area.  He sought information on progress with the Responsible Pet Ownership Policy, particularly in view of the Tenant Satisfaction Survey which identified this as an area of concern for 54% of tenants who had responded.  The Neighbourhood Housing Manager reported that work on the policy was due to commence the following week, linked with an RSPCA accredited scheme, and would be brought back to the Committee at a future date.

In response to comments from Councillor Rosetta Dolphin on the volume of ASB incidents involving children, the Neighbourhood Housing Manager confirmed that such issues were addressed with the parents and that Tenancy Agreement terms reinforced the responsibility of parents within their property and the locality.  Whilst further action could be explored, this did not apply to those in private tenancies.  Following a further query, she advised that the out of hours service being piloted was currently on a referral basis only and that costs of £1200 would be required if the contact number was to be publicised.

Councillor Alison Halford congratulated officers on the excellent report and suggested that plans to establish the Responsible Pet Ownership Policy could include consultation with all Council Members.  In response to a query on the map showing areas of ASB complaints, it was explained that this indicated cases outstanding since November 2013 and did not include cases which had closed.  Following a request for more detail on the out of hours service, the Head of Housing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment, advised that £1200 would be allocated in the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45