Decision
Analysis
outcome: The outcome of the decision was the approval of the ASB Policy for implementation across Housing and Community Safety services.
summary: The decision at stake is the adoption of a formal Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Policy to address issues of anti-social behaviour in the community.
topline: The Cabinet has decided to approve the Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Policy for implementation across Housing and Community Safety services.
reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves balancing enforcement actions with early intervention and support, which could impact different stakeholders in the community.
affected_stakeholders: ["victims", "communities", "residents", "partners"]
contentiousness_score: 6
political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.
URL: https://sandwell.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1197
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Outcome:
Is Key Decision?: Yes
Is Callable In?: Yes
Purpose: This policy sets out our framework for responding to anti-social behaviour (ASB). It defines ASB, describes our approach to addressing incidents, explains the reporting process, outlines the guiding principles that inform our actions, and details the enforcement procedures.
Content: Reasons for Recommendations Anti?social behaviour could disproportionately affect people who were already vulnerable and could escalate quickly if not addressed effectively. A clear, shared policy framework was essential to ensure responses were timely, proportionate and focused on reducing harm. The Council had statutory duties and powers under the Anti?Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, including responsibilities relating to enforcement, safeguarding, partnership working and the Case Review (Community Trigger) process. The adoption of a formal ASB Policy was necessary to ensure that the Council’s response to anti?social behaviour was structured, consistent and capable of demonstrating a clear focus on the impact of behaviour on victims and communities. It provided a defined framework within which cases were assessed, ensuring that decisions were informed by evidence, applied proportionately and supported by appropriate consideration of vulnerability, safeguarding and equality duties. In doing so, the policy strengthened transparency for residents, supported consistent expectations across services, and enabled the Council to evidence that its approach was fair, reasoned and in accordance with statutory and regulatory requirements. The policy supported a balanced approach, combining early intervention, prevention and support with enforcement action where behaviour was persistent, serious or places others at risk. Alternative Options Considered Continue to manage anti?social behaviour through existing statutory powers, service procedures and partnership arrangements without adopting a single, consolidated policy framework. Under this approach, the Council would retain discretion in its response to ASB but without a formally adopted and published framework setting out how that discretion was to be exercised across services. In the absence of a formal policy, there would be an increased likelihood of inconsistency in decision?making, reduced transparency for residents and partners, and greater exposure to complaint, challenge or findings of maladministration. It would also weaken the Council’s ability to demonstrate compliance with statutory guidance and Housing Ombudsman expectations. Resolved that approval is given to the Anti?Social Behaviour (ASB) Policy for implementation across Housing and Community Safety services.
Date of Decision: July 15, 2026