Agenda item

(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 budget proposals for 2014/15 for the rollout of publicity.  Members welcomed this and Councillor Dolphin suggested that details could be advertised in the next tenants’ publication.

Councillor Peter Curtis asked that his thanks be passed to Lee Roberts and his team for their assistance on incidents within his ward.  He referred to a promotional DVD available through Women’s Aid which was most effective in highlighting the effects of domestic abuse issues on young people and suggested that this be shown in 6^th form colleges and in the Council.  In response to the issues which had been raised in the tenants’ survey, he pointed out that dog fouling was a widespread issue which was not confined to social housing areas.

Councillor David Cox said that consulting with ward Members on ASB issues may be beneficial in terms of using local knowledge and that consideration of individuals’ age and needs should be taken into account during allocation of tenancies.  He and Councillor Curtis spoke of the benefits of Members undertaking environmental visual audits (EVAs) in their wards.

The Neighbourhood Housing Manager said that teams were encouraged to work with local Members on the allocation of properties and that consideration was being given to extending the remit of EVAs to include evidence of ASB.

Following her earlier suggestion, Councillor Halford proposed that all Members be invited to contribute to the Responsible Pet Ownership Policy to help tackle the problem of dog fouling.  This was agreed by the Committee.

RESOLVED:

(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.