Anti-social behaviour (ASB) is more than a nuisance; it is a persistent, devastating force in the lives of victims and communities across the country.
Too often, it’s reduced to a set of statistics or process-driven procedures. But behind every report is a person – someone who no longer feels safe in their own home, who is losing sleep, living in fear, and increasingly isolated from their neighbours and community.
In this blog, we explore ASB’s impact, the systemic barriers to resolution, how data can empower landlords and residents alike.
The Human Cost of ASB
In 2024, the Victims’ Commissioner published ‘Still Living a Nightmare’, a follow-up to Sasha Murray’s 2019 report on ASB, a stark insight into the lived experiences of ASB victims. The report reveals over half of surveyed victims had been suffering from ASB for more than five years As well as uncovering just how far-reaching the psychological and emotional impacts are – from anxiety and depression to job loss and displacement.
Despite the scale of harm, only a small proportion of victims received meaningful support. Many reported being passed between agencies, with no clear resolution pathway. The report concluded that ASB is still too often downplayed, poorly understood, and inconsistently addressed.
“Too many victims continue to suffer, with many stuck in the same patterns of anti-social behaviour and facing the same perpetrators as five years ago.” — Baroness Newlove, Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales
Systems challenges and a sector under pressure
The Home Office’s response to the report acknowledged that ASB is a key priority under its’ Safer Streets Mission’.
However, the current system remains fragmented. Victims face a “postcode lottery” in how their cases are handled, with significant variation in how ASB is defined, recorded, and responded to across local authorities and housing providers.
Key challenges include:
- Inconsistent classification of ASB vs. criminal behaviour
- Low public awareness of how and where to report
- Limited inter-agency coordination, especially in persistent cases
- Lack of trauma-informed approaches in frontline services
These issues not only delay resolution but also erode trust in housing providers and local agencies.
What is the data telling us?
Data from Housemark and other sector bodies highlights the true scale and complexity of ASB across the UK. It challenges assumptions that ASB is low-level or isolated and reinforces the urgent need for consistent, evidence-based action.
Translate data to action
While the challenges are significant, there are proven strategies that can improve outcomes for both victims and communities. These include:
1. Clearer Reporting Pathways
Standardising definitions and classifications across agencies helps reduce confusion and ensures cases are triaged appropriately. Digital tools and shared platforms can streamline reporting and tracking.
2. Trauma-Informed Support
Victims of persistent ASB often experience symptoms similar to PTSD. Early intervention, empathetic communication, and consistent case management can reduce harm and rebuild trust.
3. Inter-Agency Collaboration
Multi-agency panels (MAPs) that include housing, police, mental health, and community safety teams can coordinate more effective, proportionate responses — especially in complex or repeat cases.
4. Data-Driven Decision Making
Using data to identify ASB hotspots, track repeat offenders, and measure intervention outcomes enables providers to allocate resources more effectively and demonstrate impact.
5. The Role of Social Housing Providers
Housemark has supported housing providers to respond better to ASB. Our insight shows that too many landlords face inconsistent guidance, a lack of public awareness around reporting, and unclear distinctions between ASB and criminal activity. This has resulted in a postcode lottery – not just for victims, but also for the quality of responses.
But there is a better way.
Real solutions start with recognition.
With ASB now firmly on the national agenda, and Parliament debating how to bring about meaningful change. But this leads to a critical question: are we truly listening, not just to debate, but to victims? And are we willing to translate research into results?
Our upcoming webinar does just that. It aims to amplify the voices of victims, build on the latest research, and draw on Housemark’s expertise in delivering data-driven, real-world strategies that work.
Through this event, we’ll explore how to:
- Streamline reporting with clearer classifications, consistent terminology, and shared understanding across agencies.
- Enhance inter-agency collaboration, underpinned by strategic leadership and common goals.
- Improve victim support, with early interventions, trauma-informed responses, and proportionate action.
- Drive better value for money, using robust data to identify patterns in cost, performance, and satisfaction.
Our data tells us what’s happening, where it’s happening, and where improvements are most needed. Combined with human stories, this becomes a powerful tool for change.
At Housemark, we believe ASB can’t be solved in silos. Tackling it demands empathy, consistency, and the confidence to use the right tools at the right time. Together, we can foster resilient, safer neighbourhoods where people feel heard, valued, and protected.
Join us on 18 June at 2pm. Be part of the conversation that puts victims first, uses data to drive change, and leads the sector towards real, lasting solutions.
ASB is more than a policy issue — it’s a deeply personal one.
