Rioting & Disorder: What can ASB Professionals do and are residents aware?

This article has been written by partner Darren Burton – find out more about Darren here

Just like everyone else, I am simply at a loss for words following the devastating events in Southport and the subsequent rioting and disorder that’s taken place on the nation’s street these past couple of weeks. There’s never been a more important time for us to focus on unity, pull together and support each other so where do Housing Providers fit into the process?

As you know, we are always championing the role of Housing when it comes addressing ASB issues and it’s times like this when we can play our part and contribute towards making a difference. Whilst this is a “given” to anyone working in or connected with the sector, how clear would this be to local residents who are seeking both reassurance and answers from all available sources?

Many people will be of the belief that Social Landlords can either evict or do nothing at all when it comes to addressing Anti-Social Behaviour, yet there are so many more strings to the bow. With this in mind, are we doing enough to raise awareness of the other tools and powers beyond a section on a website, a quarterly newsletter or an occasional article in the Housing press? Would someone who’s previously been unaffected by public disorder or had no interest in reporting ASB concerns be familiar with the purpose of an injunction or a community protection warning? (*I am of course mindful of delegated authority as I write this, however; we have proved that logistical issues can be overcome through effective partnership working).

Forewarned is to be forearmed as they say, so if someone was familiar with the intended purpose of one of these tools, would this create an opportunity to respond quicker, gather evidence and obtain positive results? 

A lot of residents just want to go about their business and don’t want to be bombarded with information from their landlord, which in their personal view has little relevance to them. The landscape does shift; however, when it comes to the risk of rioting and violence disorder on their own doorstep so how do we (as a partnership) reach out to them in a way that will be both welcome and receptive? Whilst the usual “involved residents” will embrace the concept of public meetings and community groups, there is little motivation for others to attend unless they relate to something serious or something that’s personally impactive – We therefore need to make such forums more appealing and go a long way towards dispelling any perceptions that they are simply “talk shops” and box-ticking exercises. In doing so, we must all ensure that any form of information distribution is accessible to all including font size, paper colour, translation services and audio / visual options.

BUT…. The current situation is more complex has just tackling ASB. An addition to this, we need to increase awareness of how immigration and asylum policy is implemented to promote understanding, compassion and clarity if we are to stand any chance of dispelling misinformation and preventing tensions within our communities. It must also be highlighted that the personal information of individuals or families seeking asylum must not be disclosed during any communication strategies. If rioting and disorder was to continue despite being furnished with the facts, then it will be easier to proceed with enforcement action whether that be to the civil or criminal standard. Effective community engagement therefore has a huge role to play. This was one of the criticisms levelled at politicians during the Coolock riots in North Dublin. A failure to nail down the correct narrative and myth bust can create a window of opportunity for Far-Right groups to pedal rumours and pray upon the vulnerabilities and concerns of local residents. The visual impact is there for all to see through the lens of the world’s media.

So, what about possession? There is an unwavering commitment across the sector to sustain tenancies and eviction is often referred to as a last resort or a failure of the system, however; is it justified within this unique set of circumstances and in particular, the use of Ground: 14ZA? Would his act as a suitable deterrent for anyone engaging in order considering rioting? We recall the proportionality debate during the Anti-Capitalist demonstrations years ago when social housing tenants from some of the London boroughs were facing eviction as a result of their son or daughter looting trainers from Oxford Street. These proceedings were successfully defended and whilst the subject of “locality” lingers on, the events of today feel very different.

Footage from a radio interview was doing the rounds on Facebook the other day where someone admitted travelling from Harlow to Middlesbrough to participate in anti-immigration protests / public disorder. Whilst freedom of movement is not the issue, these towns wouldn’t be natural bedfellows. The individual in question had no family connections, employment or business interests in the area so he was simply motivated to travel the best part of four hours to engage in rioting. If he was a social housing tenant and there was evidence to prove that he had committed ASB, or criminality is there a case for sanctions against his home? It goes without saying that each case must be assessed on its own merits and there are often underlying factors linked to behaviours however, this is probably something to think about.

Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes to this situation and many more challenges lie ahead, however; Housing and Community Safety partners have the knowledge, dedication and expertise to work collaboratively, achieve positive outcomes and create / strengthen community cohesion throughout the UK.

If you need support during this time, do not hesitate to reach out.