The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Anti-Social Behaviour celebrated the launch of their first inquiry report, at the House of Lords, with members of the group, representatives from Midland Heart and cross-party MPs in attendance.
The report, titled ‘Working together to address anti-social behaviour in our communities’, has been written in collaboration with MPs from all three main parties in England, Resolve, ASB Help, TPAS, Local Government Association, and several of the West Midlands’ largest social landlords.
The report makes 29 recommendations for government, housing providers and other groups, to better address anti-social behaviour in our communities and improve the lives of victims. One core recommendation calls for the Government to pilot the use of a Problem-Solving Housing Court in the West Midlands.
APPG members, Baroness Helen Newlove (APPG Vice Chair), Mike Amesbury MP (Vice President of the Local Government Association) and Sarah Green, MP, commented:
“Sadly, for far too long the lives of people within our communities are blighted by mindless and senseless actions of a few. Across political parties and all parts of our country we want to see our communities become places that people not only want to live in, but where businesses want to invest, and opportunity is equally created. To do this we must address Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) head on, increasing support for those organisations on the frontline of this work.”
In conducting the inquiry, the group heard from a wide range of people, including victim support, law enforcement professionals and tenants. On behalf of the group, Midland Heart would like to thank everyone who gave up their time to provide evidence, such has been integral to the development of the report.
It has been particularly heartening to see Midland Heart and other Housing Associations demonstrate their support for this cause. With the responsibility of four million homes, HAs have the potential to create significant and meaningful change in our communities, and convening this group has been a pivotal first step in this direction.
Read the APPG on ASB First Inquiry Report.
For further information about the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Anti-Social Behaviour, please email appg@midlandheart.org.uk or read our APPG Brochure.
