Epsom & Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) has signed the ASB Help Pledge following an agreement to renew at the Crime and Disorder Committee in February. The decision demonstrates the council’s commitment to eradicating antisocial behaviour (ASB) in the borough, improving support for victims and ensuring best practice is followed when dealing with ASB Case Reviews. 

An ASB Case Review allows victims and communities the right to request a review of their anti-social behaviour complaints and brings agencies together to take a joined up, problem solving approach to find a solution. If an ASB Case Review submission meets the defined threshold, a case review will be undertaken by the local Community Safety Partnership. 

The ASB Help Pledge is a nationally recognised accreditation awarded by independent charity ASB Help, which supports victims of anti-social behaviour and provides guidance to professionals and organisations responsible for tackling ASB. 

As part of the accreditation process, EEBC completed a detailed assessment of its policies and procedures for managing ASB Case Reviews. Following this, an independent representative from ASB Help observed one of the council's ASB Case Review meetings to ensure it met legislative requirements and followed recognised best practice standards. 

In signing the pledge, EEBC has committed to six key principles, which are: 

• promoting awareness of the ASB Case Review process among residents and partner agencies 

• adhering to legislation and statutory guidance when managing ASB Case Reviews 

• ensuring the ASB Case Review process is accessible and available in a range of formats 

• regularly reviewing and improving procedures in line with best practice and resident feedback 

• strengthening communication and information sharing between agencies and victims 

• ensuring victims are listened to and have a voice throughout the review process. 

The accreditation provides reassurance to residents that EEBC is committed to supporting victims of persistent anti-social behaviour, ensuring concerns are considered holistically and that agencies work together to identify any additional actions that can help resolve ongoing issues. 

Councillor Alan Williamson, Chair of the Crime and Disorder Committee, said: 

"We are proud to have achieved the ASB Help Pledge accreditation. Anti-social behaviour can have a significant impact on people's quality of life, and it is important that residents feel heard, supported and confident that agencies are working together on their behalf. 

"This accreditation recognises our commitment to following best practice and ensuring that when residents request an ASB Case Review, their case is considered thoroughly and collaboratively, with every opportunity taken to identify additional actions and achieve positive outcomes." 

A spokesperson from ASB Help said:  

“ASB Help are delighted that Epsom and Ewell Borough Council have signed up to our ASB Help Pledge which demonstrates their commitment in supporting partners in promoting best practice for the ASB Case Review. In doing so they are ensuring that victims of ASB in the area have a voice.” 

For more information about anti-social behaviour and the ASB Case Review process, visit Epsom and Ewell Community Safety | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council.