Issue - meetings

Arising from a report of the Group Manager for Housing reviewing the Housing Service’s Harassment Policy, the Homes Policy Development Group has recommended that the changes identified in the tracked changed Harassment Policy be approved.

Arising from a report of the Group Manager for Housing reviewing the Housing Service’s Harassment Policy, the Homes Policy Development Group had recommended that the changes identified in the tracked changed Harassment Policy be approved.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Property Services outlined the contents of the report.

Consideration was given to the consultation that had taken place and the feedback received.

RESOLVED that the recommendation of the Policy Development Group be approved.

(Proposed by the Chairman)

Note:  *Report previously circulated, copy attached to minutes.

To receive a report from the Group Manager for Housing Services reviewing the Housing Service Harrassment Policy.

The Group had before it a report * from the Group Manager for Housing reviewing the Housing Service’s Harassment Policy.

The content of the report was outlined with the following key factors being highlighted:

·         It was important to be aware of the regulations in relation to this issue.

·         At a recent meeting of the Tenants Together Group there had been a lot of discussion around the issue of ‘Equality Impact Assessments’ and as a result more emphasis would be placed on this section of PDG policies in the future.

·         The Harassment Policy is related to the ASB policy and procedures. Mediation is a key part of the Council’s strategy to manage low level nuisance but officers did not feel that it was a tool which could be used in a serious case such as that of harassment..

A brief discussion took place regarding the very serious nature of harassment and that a true definition of it would include reference to the victim fearing for their safety. It was not just about throwing grass clippings over a garden fence, for example.

RECOMMENDED to the Cabinet that the changes identified in the tracked changed Harassment Policy be approved.

(Proposed by Cllr D R Coren and seconded by Cllr J Cairney)

Note: * Report previously circulated; copy attached to the signed minutes.