21 November 2024
Resident held at gunpoint and domestic abuse victim left ‘terrified’ among Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) cases highlighted by Ombudsman
The Housing Ombudsman has released its latest ‘learning from severe maladministration’ report, focusing on Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB).
ASB is the second highest driver of traffic to the Ombudsman, and it can be a complex and sensitive topic to handle. While some of the events in the report are challenging to read, the Ombudsman is not shying away from the reality of these experiences to ensure lessons are not lost.
With the important role that social housing has to play in giving safe and secure housing to millions, the learning in these reports should help landlords provide effective services that protect this aspiration.
The decisions are grouped around 5 key themes that the Ombudsman is seeing consistent failings in its casework: action plans, risk assessments, working with other agencies, hate crime, and communication/complaint handling. The report raises a wider debate about the effectiveness of multiagency working, resources given the sector’s financial pressure and approach in complex cases.
In one case, a domestic abuse victim was left without support and unable to leave her home following landlord inaction. It also involved the resident’s ex-partner being told key information about the case whilst she was in refuge. In another case, a landlord failed to communicate effectively with a resident despite her reporting that a neighbour pointed a firearm at her.
Landlords highlighted in this report are:
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Bristol City Council
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Clarion
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L&Q
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Newham Council
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Notting Hill Genesis
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Orbit Group
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Peabody
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Sanctuary
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Southwark Council
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Watford Community Housing
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