Overview:

Key to names used

• Mr M The complainant
• Mr C The alleged perpetrator of anti-social behaviour

Summary

Mr M complained the Council has not responded in any meaningful way to his reports of anti-social behaviour (ASB) by his neighbour, a council tenant, which includes persistent screaming and shouting at unsociable hours, threats, odours coming from his property, and possible drug abuse. Mr M says he feels unsafe in his own home and is unable to have visitors. He considers the Council should evict the neighbour and ensure he receives care appropriate to his needs.

Finding

Fault found causing injustice and recommendations made.

Recommendations

The Council must consider the report and confirm within three months the action it has taken or proposes to take. The Council should consider the report at its full Council, Cabinet or other appropriately delegated committee of elected members and we will require evidence of this. (Local Government Act 1974, section 31(2), as amended)

In addition to the above requirements, the Council has agreed to take the following action to remedy the injustice identified in this report:

• write a formal letter of apology to Mr M, which explains what went wrong with this case, and to recognise the impact of this on him. The Council should consider our guidance in making this apology;

• offer to pay Mr M £500 for the same reason;

• open an investigation into Mr M’s reports of anti-social behaviour. As part of this, the Council should carry out a vulnerability risk assessment of Mr M;

• initiate an ASB case review;

• update us on its progress and actions in Mr M’s case;

• set out an action plan to improve its handling of reports of anti-social behaviour and share it with us; and

• set out an action plan to improve its handling of complaints.

 

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