ASB service promise

We will:

• Provide a safe environment where you can discuss your case with us.
• Be clear about the information we need to take your complaint further. 
• Help you access advice and support from other specialist agencies. 
• Take appropriate action against those responsible, where we have evidence. 
• Review all reported cases of antisocial behaviour at least once a month and inform you of progress. If we decide to close a case, we will write to you and tell you why.
• Provide ongoing support for as long as victims feel it is necessary and as long as reasonably practical. 
• Offer a series of options to complainants, victims, their families and any witnesses ranging from advice, conciliation, support and legal action provided by Lewisham Homes or other services and agencies. 
• Work in partnership with other services that can assist us in the prevention of antisocial behaviour and encourage a multi-agency approach to dealing with case work and finding the resolutions to antisocial behaviour.
• Ensure all complaints are treated seriously and thoroughly investigated in a non-judgmental way.
• Seek to involve tenants, leaseholders and other stakeholders in developing our policies, procedures and strategies. 
• Encourage victims/witnesses to report incidents and provide them with the necessary support.
• Aim to have all cases either resolved or have a plan of action agreed within one month from the date of the initial complaint. Cases will be closed if there are no complaints, within a two month period.
• Please remember that the action we take must be reasonable. We may not be able to take any legal action if we have insufficient evidence.

Each tenant receives a Tenancy Agreement which sets out what is expected of
them, their families and their visitors. They also sign an agreement which
signifies their acceptance of the conditions, including those relating to their
behaviour.
There are clauses within the tenancy agreement that prohibit tenants from
committing acts of nuisance, harassment, domestic violence as well as verbal
abuse, threats and assaults of Lewisham Homes staff.

 

This voluntary standard was developed by the government and gives clear standards for social housing landlords to tackle antisocial behaviour. The Standard is built around six core commitments:
1 - accountability, leadership and commitment;
2 - empowering and reassuring residents;
3 - prevention and early intervention;
4 - tailored services for residents and provision of support for victims
and witnesses;
5 - protecting communities through swift enforcement; and
6 - support to tackle the causes of antisocial behaviour.

Lewisham Homes signed up to the Respect Standard on 12 June 2007.

 

Our staff are entitled to work in a pleasant environment without fear of verbal abuse, attack or harassment. Lewisham Homes will take the strongest possible action against any intimidating or abusive behaviour that may result in a criminal prosecution or you losing your home.