Eight out of 10 councils report that current information sharing agreements between agencies cause delays when it comes to taking action in anti-social behaviour (ASB) cases.
The joint survey – commissioned by the Local Government Association and charity Resolve to coincide with ASB week – found that ASB incidents are taking longer to tackle due to ‘inconsistent and insufficient’ information sharing.
Nine out of 10 councils thought that to a great or moderate extent a closer relationship between housing providers and Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs) leads to improved outcomes relating to ASB.
Around 85% of respondents reported they would support a single information sharing agreement, standardising the process across the country, and bringing more organisations in to access the data.
Cllr Heather Kidd, Chair of the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said: “Tackling anti-social behaviour is a key priority not just for Government, councils and the police, but our residents too – this survey shows very clearly what councils want and need to be more effective in tackling ASB.
‘Often residents will first report incidents of ASB to their housing provider. Councils want this information more consistently shared with councils and the police so proportionate action can be taken. It does not help residents if we see a delay in taking action due to poor information sharing and duplicate reports to partner agencies that should be working together.’
