Residents can now log ASB case reviews with council
Improvements have been made to a multi-agency review which scrutinises the support provided to repeat victims of anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is now involved in co-ordinating ASB case reviews from the beginning of the process in a first for Staffordshire.
Residents who have experienced three separate incidents, within six months, of previously recorded anti-social behaviour can trigger a review if they feel that their concerns have not been dealt with satisfactorily. The measure gives victims a say in the way that issues are resolved.
The council – which already chairs and organises case reviews – works with partners, including Staffordshire Police, to look at how individual organisations responded to residents’ concerns to ensure that everything possible was done to help them. Victims are kept informed of developments throughout the process.
Case reviews are traditionally instigated via Staffordshire Police but they can now also be logged with the council. More information is available on the council’s website.
Cllr. Gill Heesom, Cabinet member for Community Safety and Well-being, said:
The council is committed to working closely with Staffordshire Police, and our other partners, to help create healthy, active and safe communities.
Anti-social behaviour causes harassment, alarm and distress. We have a variety of tools and powers available to protect our most vulnerable residents from harm. While the number of incidents has reduced across the borough, repeat victims who meet the threshold have the ability to require action, starting with a review of their case, if they feel that more could have been done to help them.
I welcome this small, but important, change which provides residents with additional choice. The council leads on ASB case reviews so it makes sense for us to receive initial requests. The process is quick and simple.”
If a review goes ahead, complainants receive a conclusion letter within 28 days. If they are dissatisfied with the outcome, they can appeal to the Office of the Staffordshire Police and Fire Commissioner for further consideration.
All four of the case reviews carried out in 2024 resulted in recommendations being made.