Anti-social behaviour: Home Office response to Victims’ Commissioner report ‘positive first step’ but we need to go further still

Yesterday, the government published its response to the Victims’ Commissioner’s recent anti-social behaviour report, Still Living a Nightmare.

Drawing on hundreds of powerful, first-hand, victim accounts, the report highlights the plight of persistent anti-social behaviour and its toll on victims, whilst making several actionable recommendations for change.

Bringing forward some of the Victims’ Commissioner’s recommendations, the government has now, among other things, announced that it backs Baroness Newlove’s calls to provide victims with a single point of contact at the lead agency managing their case. It will also recommend that ASB case reviews are headed by an independent chair and has committed to reviewing relevant statutory guidance in place to protect victims.

The response is a much-needed acknowledgment of the often devastating impact anti-social behaviour has on victims and communities.

Baroness Newlove welcomed the response, calling it a positive first step, whilst stressing that more needs to be done to support victims.

Commenting on the government’s response, the Victims’ Commissioner, said:

“More must be done to support victims of anti-social behaviour, and I welcome the government’s response to my report as a positive first step.

My report highlighted the transformative impact of a single point of contact (SPOC) to ensure victims feel heard and supported, so I’m pleased this recommendation is being taken forward.

It is so important victims of ASB are given a voice and are listened to. Planned reforms to strengthen statutory guidance for the ASB Case Review process are a welcome measure to build trust and empower victims. For these reforms to have the greatest impact, changes to the law will be the crucial next step.

I look forward to working with the government to bolster protections and the law. The upcoming consultation on the Victims’ Code offers a key opportunity for progress. It is essential we get this right, as there is still much more to be done for lasting change.”

ENDS

• Read the Victims’ Commissioner’s report Still Living a Nightmare (including an easy-read version).
• Read the government’s full response.
• Read Baroness Newlove’s 2017 report, Anti-social Behaviour: Living a Nightmare, in which some of her recommendations were first made.