Local authorities across England are failing to use the tools available to them to tackle antisocial behaviour, according to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO).
A new report by the LGSCO has revealed that it has upheld nearly three-quarters (74%) of the antisocial behaviour (ASB) cases it has investigated in the past year.
These cases range from dog fouling and inconsiderate parking to sustained harassment and intimidation.
The Ombudsman’s report cites examples where councils have delayed responding to complaints or failed to bring in other agencies such as the police.
The report even accuses local authorities of ‘gatekeeping’ access to services by telling people they will not act unless certain conditions are met.
In one of the cited cases, a man reported loud music from a neighbour’s 13-hour party and the council told him it would only investigate once he recorded six incidents within 25 days.
The Ombudsman also identified a lack of adequate awareness when it comes to the ASB Case Review process – often known as the Community Trigger.
Paul Najsarek, Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, commented: ‘Councils in partnership with other agencies, when using their powers to the full, can have a profound effect on people’s quality of life – both in terms of taking action against perpetrators and providing support to victims.
‘I urge leaders to read this report and reflect on their services to ensure they fully understand the range of powers at their disposal and provide the best possible support to the people they serve.’
