Social landlords warn against getting rid of ASBOs

The anti-social behaviour order remains the only available measure to address serious anti-social behaviour by juveniles, a group of 15 social landlords from the north of England has warned the government ahead of an expected Home Office consultation later this month.

The consultation paper is set to flesh out comments made in a speech in July by the Home Secretary, in which she said “it’s time to move beyond the ASBO”.

Theresa May promised a “simple, clear and effective sanctions regime”, claiming that the Labour government had created sanctions that were too complex and bureaucratic.

Issuing a preliminary response ahead of the paper, the Airport Group – whose members collectively own 161,000 homes – suggested extending to landlords powers that currently are only available to the police and local authorities. It added that it wanted to see greater recognition from government of the important preventative work aimed young people.

The group also stressed the importance of protecting victims and using professional witnesses. It said ordinary residents should be consulted on any changes to legal remedies and procedures.

Ian Munro, chief executive of New Charter Housing Trust, said: “Unfortunately, we are not simply dealing with over-exuberant youths or neighbours who have a disagreement over the hedge. Some offenders are well-known to police forces for multiple criminality, including use of violence.

“As landlords actively tackling these problems, we find reluctance of neighbours to intervene or give evidence because they are frightened of reprisals. Communities have a right to expect our support. Using our own staff or other professionals is often the only way we can restore peace to neighbourhoods.”

Geraldine Howley, group chief executive of Bradford-based Incommunities, warned that while trained mediation might solve low level conflicts and willing residents could be “invaluable” as mediators, there are some problems that are simply too serious for mediation.

She said: “We need to retain certain tools and powers to address these problems. The type of panels envisaged by [the Home Secretary] might struggle to deal with serious problems in a fair and effective way.”