Introduction
The government has updated their website to reflect changes to the statutory guidance on anti-social behaviour powers for frontline professionals.
These changes have been made following the recommendations of the Victims’ Commissioner’s 2024 report: Still living a nightmare: Understanding the experiences of victims of anti-social behaviour.
These updates were announced back in January 2025 and have now been implemented. These changes largely relate to the ASB Case Review process.
Below, we will cover the major changes in this update.
Single point of contact
The Home Office have made it clear in the updated guidance that a Single Point of Contact (SPoC) should be assigned to victims. The SPoC should keep the victim informed, which will ensure victims feel supported throughout the ASB Case Review process.
“Relevant bodies should keep the victim updated throughout the Case Review process and should ensure that the victim has a single point of contact to liaise with throughout the ASB Case Review process to keep them updated, including notifying them when and why a case is going to be closed.”
Promotion and accessibility of the ASB Case Review procedure
Given that it has been found that only 80% of victims know what the ASB Case Review is, we are grateful to see more guidance on the promotion of this tool.
The Home Office have advised that:
“Agencies must make every effort to clearly explain the ASB Case Review process to all victims who make a second report of ASB in a six month period regardless of if they meet the threshold criteria. For example, this could include signposting information to the victim in order for them to be aware of the Case Review mechanism.”
Thankfully, the Home Office have also introduced guidance around making the ASB Case Review sufficiently accessible to victims:
“It is important that the Case Review is accessible and that victims have various methods to apply for one. For example, where the victim might not have access to the internet or a smartphone, they may prefer to make an application over the phone or may need assistance with making the application.”
Independent chair
In our previous FOI, we found that only 36% of areas invited an external organisation to chair the ASB Case Review.
So, we are glad to see that the government has expanded their guidance on the implementation of independent chairs in the ASB Case Review process:
“Case review meetings should be chaired by an appropriately trained independent person who has sufficient knowledge of ASB procedures and legislation… The independent chair would also provide a fresh perspective on the case, the action already been taken and potential further action. This may for example be someone from within the Community Safety Partnership who has not had previous involvement in the case or someone from a neighbouring council.”
However, it’s important to note, from our conversations with victims, we know that some victims perceive a bias when ASB Case Reviews are chaired by individuals within the team. Regardless of whether the appointed chair has had prior involvement, some victims may perceive a bias as the chair is still a ‘colleague’ of the parties involved.
Victim inclusion and support
The ASB Case Review was designed to give victims a voice. So, we are really glad to see that there is an increased focus on victim inclusion and keeping the victim at the heart of the process.
For example, the new guidance states:
“The relevant body should allow the victim to choose their level of involvement and always invite the victim to attend a section of the case review meeting (in person or virtually) to help members of the panel understand the level of harm and impact the behaviour has had on them… The victim should also be given the opportunity to submit a written impact statement detailing the impact of the anti-social behaviour on them.”
This guidance is more thorough than previous guidance.
Also, regarding the creation of an action plan, the new guidance states:
“The relevant bodies should consult with the victim on the action plan but be clear on expectations before it is formalised so that they can understand the proposed actions and can share their own perspectives on the proposed plan’s effectiveness in addressing their concerns.”
We are pleased to see the addition of this guidance, which considers the victims voice throughout the process, not just during one section of it.
It’s also important to note that the updated guidance has referred to the support anti-social behaviour victims are entitled to under the Victim’s Code:
“In accordance with the Victims’ Code (2023), a person is entitled to support if they have suffered harm as a result of criminal conduct, regardless of whether the incident is formally recorded as a criminal offence or whether charges are pursued. This ensures that victims can access support services even if the behaviour is initially treated as ASB rather than an offence. If the incident has been reported to the police, the victim must be referred to local victim support services. Where it has not been reported, victims should still be made aware of how to access such services independently.”
Anti-social behaviour can be chronic and increasingly detrimental to a victim’s mental and physical health. So, this new guidance could provide some victims with a lifeline.
Conclusion
The updated ASB Case Review statutory guidance marks an important step forward in strengthening the victim’s voice. For too long, many victims have felt overlooked or unsupported when trying to get help with persistent anti-social behaviour. These changes show that progress is being made – thanks to the dedication of victims who have spoken out, and the continued efforts of organisations in the sector who are ensuring those voices are heard.
We know there is still more work to do, for example, we would like to see a clearer appeals process outlined in guidance. Nevertheless, this update is a positive sign that change is possible when victims are placed at the heart of the process. We will continue to champion their experiences, hold agencies to account, and push for a system that truly delivers justice for everyone affected by anti-social behaviour.