LGA issues guidance on 'community trigger' part of anti-social behaviour reforms

The Local Government Association has published guidance for local authorities on implementing the ‘community trigger’ introduced by the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

The ‘trigger’ introduces a right for victims, or victims’ representatives, to ask local agencies to review how they have responded to previous ASB complaints and consider what further action might be taken where the behaviour persists.

It is intended to provide a safety net for vulnerable victims and to help avoid individuals being passed between agencies without resolution.

The guidance covers:

• Setting up local review procedures: relevant bodies; defining ‘anti-social behaviour’; setting the case review threshold; qualifying complaints; hate incidents; establishing a point of contact; setting timescales; data-sharing; and publishing procedures;
• Approaching case reviews: receiving and reviewing case review requests; assessing risk and vulnerability; communicating whether or not to proceed; case reviews;
• Outcomes and escalation: review outcomes; escalation and appeal; persistent or vexatious complaints;
• Communication: raising awareness; contact with the victim; reporting on local activity;
• Further information and support.

The LGA points out that while the Act provides a framework for implementing the new arrangements, much of the detail is for the ‘relevant bodies’ under the Act and other agencies to agree locally.

The trigger will become fully operational on 20 October 2014. The guidance can be viewed here.

The new approach has been piloted in Manchester, Brighton & Hove, West Lindsey with Boston, and Richmond-upon-Thames.