Recommendations: reported October / November 2025
| Reference | Recommendation | Response | Action | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASBPRG1 | Inclusive Engagement - Residents wanted to understand and review how we can extend the invitation, so no one gets left behind? A discussion was held around communal computers/access to laptops and then issues of security and maintenance and GDPR. | Partially accepted | Council decision and direction | The challenge of more inclusive engagement is recognised by the Council and is relevant to the wide range of matters residents and tenants are consulted upon. The ASB Service will work within the wider corporate approach to improve access to those people who we struggle to engage with, including those without access to a computer, where English isn’t a first language and with under-represented age groups. |
| ASBPRG2 | Promotion of how to report ASB - On communication, a resident requested that the Safer Oxford telephone number and email address should be more proactively marketed in the community, not just reliant on tenancy management staff. | Accepted |
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| ASBPRG3 | Noise App - Residents recommended that an action plan is developed aimed at improving communication and information about the Noise App, to include more support for downloading to be offered to those who are not technically minded and requested that a report is provided on the Noise App use and outcomes. | Accepted |
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| ASBPRG4 | Policy Wording request - Residents recommended that the wording be improved in the policy around the clear distinction between being homeless and being homeless and anti-social, and more detail around how the homeless are referred for support. | Accepted |
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| ASBPRG5 | Multi-agency working arrangements - Residents recommended that residents would welcome communication and information across Oxford around how the ASB team works with the Police and other Housing Associations. They would like more transparency to be given to these relationships, and our ongoing leadership on improving those arrangements. | Accepted |
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| ASBPRG6 | Performance requests - Residents recommended that residents would welcome more information around the internal performance of the ASB team, a report that would include what are the Key Performance Indicators they are working towards, and how successful have they been achieving targets set. | Accepted |
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| ASBPRG7 | Response times - Residents felt that the target of 3 days to respond to an urgent case seems too long, especially if they have gone to the police and the police have then signposted them to the Council team. Residents recommended that this be reviewed and assessed to see if this can be reduced? | Not accepted |
Discussion within the management team in Community Safety as to feasibility of suggestion. Urgent cases are already triaged immediately to other emergency agencies as required. |
On receipt of a report to saferoxford, the Service will undertake its triage process. The saferoxford inbox is reviewed every working day and if a report requiring an emergency response is received, the person is contacted immediately and advised to contact the correct emergency service. For those cases where the nature of the issue is a Category 1 we will contact the person within three working days. This is to balance the resources in the team with the need to start an investigation. These cases are more likely to be resolved through partnerships working with support agencies and emergency services. |
The Committee resolved to make the following recommendations to Cabinet:
- For Officers to explore the feasibility of gathering and analysis of data on protected characteristics of both: individuals complained about through the ASB service, and individuals making complaints through the ASB service. Recognising that some data may be limited in validity, that findings from the collected and analysed data be reported back to the Scrutiny Committee at an appropriate time within the next two years
- That officers set out within the Policy the work the Council is currently undertaking and plans to undertake in relation to proactive prevention of ASB, including actions such as working with youth groups, redesigning areas, and improving coordination between council services
- That there is a clear commitment within the ASB Policy to work collaboratively with Registered Providers in addressing anti-social behaviour, including requesting information from local RPs on levels and types of ASB reports received within their housing stock. This information can then be used to identify patterns, overlaps and gaps between council and RP data, and reporting back on the efficacy of this partnership working and health of relationships with RPs as part of the Council’ wider multi-agency approach to ASB management
