A new anti-social behaviour (ASB) policy is set to be adopted at the upcoming Executive meeting of Surrey Heath Borough Council.
The term anti-social behaviour takes in a range of nuisance, disorder and crime which can impact people’s lives. Its nature and impact often vary greatly from one victim to another. What is considered ASB by one person is acceptable to another, but the Home Office describes ASB as ‘any aggressive, intimidating, or destructive activity that damages or destroys another person’s quality of life.’
The council works with partners including Surrey Police and local housing associations to tackle ASB, and is committed to deal with any instances of ASB as quickly and effectively as possible, to minimise risk and disruption to those affected.
The council can use a wide range of tools and powers to address local issues relating to ASB, but there is not a ‘one size fits all’ type of approach to these issues. With the aim of improving transparency, the new ASB policy will provide residents with a clear understanding of the stages and processes involved in dealing with a complaint, and ensure full consideration and support is given to victims.
The council’s approach to tackling ASB involves working with victims to explore how we can remedy the situation by using various intervention methods. Should these fail, we will use the local statutory powers available to our council to take enforcement action.
The aims of this policy set out how we will deal with ASB by:
- taking effective action to deal with severe and/or persistent ASB
- encouraging residents to report ASB
- setting realistic expectations in relation to how we can deal with ASB, and what types of ASB the team has the power to deal with
- enabling support and advice to victims of ASB through third parties, and when relevant ensuring a partnership approach is adopted.
Surrey Heath Portfolio Holder for Homes, Planning and Enforcement Cllr Alan Ashbery said: “Keeping the borough safe and secure is a key area of focus in the council’s current Annual Plan, and we know from resident feedback that anti-social behaviour is an issue which can cause nuisance and distress to many.
“This ASB policy reconfirms our commitment to deal with such issues quickly and effectively, fairly and consistently, with the aims of safeguarding, minimising risk and reducing the negative effect on individuals and the community.”
Surrey Heath Police Borough Commander, T/Inspector Ryan Scott said: “Anti-social behaviour is one of my key areas of focus as Surrey Heath Borough Commander. I know anti-social behaviour can have a truly detrimental effect on the victims and the community as a whole.
“I believe in taking a robust approach to anti-social behaviour, utilising our powers to the fullest and working closely with partner agencies. Anti-social behaviour often needs a multi-faceted approach, with partners coming together to protect the vulnerable and wider community.”
Read more about the ASB draft policy and the other items on the agenda of the meeting of 11 February
Read more about ASB and how to report it
Update 13 February 2025
At the Executive meeting of 11 February 2025, the anti-social behaviour policy was agreed.