Estate Management Policy on Anti-Social Behaviour
Ennis Town Council recognises that anti-social behaviour can have an adverse effect on the quality of life of the tenants of the council. The majority of our tenants are law-abiding and it is only a small number of tenants who are involved in this kind of behaviour. The council recognises that it has a duty of care to all its tenants to promote the peaceful occupation and enjoyment of our dwellings.
Accordingly, it is the policy of this council that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and the council, therefore, undertakes to be proactive in seeking and preventing such behaviour by improving the effective management of our estates and where it occurs. The council will, if necessary, use all the legislative means available to it in combating such behaviour. This policy will be implemented by achieving the primary objectives and by applying the strategies as detailed in this document. The council hereby reaffirms its strong commitment to tackling this problem.
The councils primary objectives in respect of anti-social behaviour are as follows:
- To assess the extent of anti-social behaviour problems in all the council's estates
- To establish the frequency of the problem and implement procedures to tackle the problem at source
- To respond to all complaints
- To initiate an investigation into all complaints
- To install and maintain preventative measures
- To project an image of zero tolerance to anti-social behaviour
Estate management of the housing section will endeavour to achieve these objectives by adopting the following strategies:
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To enforce the legislation in the most serious of cases as outlined in the council’s policy in implementing the legislation
With a structured complaints system in place the estate management – housing section can identify serious cases and react accordingly. If necessary, the council will enforce the legislation and institute legal proceedings.
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To build up closer relations with the Garda Siochána and other agencies and to share information in dealing with anti-social behaviour
Multi-agency panels will be created linking the council, the Health Authority and the Garda district serving the town of Ennis. The effect of this close co-operation will be to monitor the situations as they evolve and act cohesively to minimise its effects.
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To encourage greater participation in Pre-Tenancy Courses
Ennis Town Council has organised pre-tenancy training courses for all prospective tenants and attendance on these courses is a requirement. The course explains the functions of the council and the services the council provides. The speakers are from support agencies representing MABS and the Health Authority and council staff from the housing, maintenance, environmental and estate management sections. The course examines the tenancy agreement and explains the consequences of breaching the terms of the agreement. The obligations of tenants (e.g. payment of weekly rent, maintenance of dwellings etc.) are detailed as well as their rights with regard to service/response from the council. The course also deals with anti-social behaviour and the complaints system is fully detailed. It is a very informative course and assists in the prevention of anti-social behaviour and any breaches of the tenancy agreement.
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To work in conjunction with Health Authority
A representative (Social Worker) from the Health Authority attends meetings as required when specific cases come up for review and liaises with the estate management / housing section to discuss these individual cases and accept referrals, where it is considered necessary. Some families who are involved in lower level anti-social behaviour require assistance, support and linkage to other agencies/services. The housing welfare service provides a vital link for this purpose and the involvement of this service has reduced anti-social behaviour emanating from some dwellings.
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To work more closely with the residents associations
The estate management / housing section liaises on a regular basis, forging links and assisting representative residents' groups with crime prevention and anti-social behaviour issues generally. On some estates the estate management section may see the need for the establishment of a residents' / tenants' association and will work with the tenants to facilitate the formation and initial setting up of such groups/associations.
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To issue maintenance letters for non-upkeep of property
If breaches of the tenancy agreement in relation to non-upkeep of property come to the attention of the anti-social section, warning letters will be issued. This has a positive effect on the community and encourages council tenants to maintain their dwellings to an acceptable standard. The estate management / housing section maintains a database of such maintenance letters for non-upkeep of property, for follow-up, reference and statistical purposes.
Anti-social behaviour complaints
Ennis Town Council has a computerised complaints system to deal with complaints of anti-social behaviour as defined by the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1997. The Estate Management Officer within the housing department will deal with such complaints. Complaints are only accepted in writing and all such complaints are recorded on the system.
The council will fully comply with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Acts, 1997 - 2003. Information given to the council by persons complaining of anti-social behaviour is protected by section 23(a) and section 26 of the 1997 act.
Customer service
Ennis Town Council is committed to providing a quality service to its tenants and the public. The council will continue to advise the public and its tenants of significant changes in legislation or in the council's policies in dealing with anti-social behaviour. The council will continue to meet tenants, resident associations and estate management fora on a regular basis and will actively advertise its services and the assistance it can provide in improving the quality of life on all the council's estates.
The address for lodging complaints of anti-social behaviour is:
Housing Department,
Ennis Town Council,
Waterpark House,
Drumbiggle,
Ennis,
Co. Clare
Telephone: (065) 6869516
Hours of business
Monday to Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Complaints can also be accepted at the council's housing office. Complaints received at the housing office will be forwarded to the Estate Management Officer for attention.
Complaints concerning the activities or the decision-making process of the estate management / housing section or any general observations on the work of the section may be made in writing to:
Administrative Officer,Housing Department,
Ennis Town Council,
Waterpark House,
Drumbiggle,
Ennis,
Co. Clare