ASB Case Review system launched in Southend

October 20, 2014 by Joanna Harrison

ASB Case Review system launched in Southend

A new initiative designed to ensure that victims of persistent Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) receive the best possible support to resolve problems has been launched in Southend yesterday (Monday 20thOctober).

Victims of ASB in the Southend-on-Sea Borough will now be able to use the ASB Case Review in the event that they feel that partner agencies have not taken action in respect of their complaint. Relevant partners including the Council, Southend Community Safety Partnership, Essex Police, health providers and registered social housing providers, and these agencies will have a duty to undertake a review when the case meets the defined threshold.

The initiative was introduced by the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act, 2014. ASB is any aggressive, intimidating or destructive activity that damages or destroys another person’s quality of life.

Cllr Ian Gilbert, Executive Councillor for Community Development, says: “Partner agencies in Southend are absolutely committed to not only tackling anti-social behaviour, but ensuring that cases are properly dealt with.

“Cases of repeat, persistent, ASB can blight people’s lives and this new initiative will provide victims with the opportunity to have their case reviewed where the victim considers no action has been taken, and to see if there are additional actions that could be undertaken to help support the victim and resolve the bad behaviour.”

Rob Tinlin, Chief Executive of Southend-on-Sea Borough Council and Chair of the Southend Community Safety Partnership, says: “We welcome this new step which will help to raise the profile of this issue and also give confidence to local people that if they feel their case has not been properly considered there is a way to appeal the response centrally.”

In Southend and across Essex, it has been agreed that a person can use the ASB Case Review process if they have suffered three incidents of ASB within the last six months and believe no action has been taken. However, if the ASB is of a Hate Crime nature, then the threshold will be one incident within the last six months where the victim considers no action has been taken.

If the victim is unhappy with the conclusions of the review, they will be able to appeal to the chair of their local Community Safety Partnership, and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner will be notified. Details of ASB Case Review can be found here: www.southend.gov.uk/asbreview