Our Community Safety Casework Team works to address anti-social behaviour (ASB) and hate incidents in the city and reduce the harm they cause.
The team work closely with Sussex Police to deal with all ASB and hate incidents in the city’s public spaces and support people in private housing.
We also have strong working relationships with housing providers and other support services in the city.
We understand that when experiencing ASB or hate incidents, reporting what is happening can be part of the process of looking after yourself. It can help you feel empowered and reduce the harm you are experiencing.
You might want to just let us know about something that has affected you, or we could explore if there are actions, we can take together to improve the situation.
We will listen to you and take you seriously.
We will work to resolve the ASB or hate incidents you are reporting. We won’t take any actions without your consent. However, for anyone at significant risk of harm, we may have a legal duty to share that information with safeguarding services.
One of the ways we can help is through ‘restorative practice’.
The key principles are relationship, respect, responsibility, repair and re-integration. The aim is to improve or repair relationships between people and communities, which can then help to reduce anti-social behaviour.
We will ask you what you want to happen and will discuss how restorative practice could be used in your case to help reduce the harm experienced.
This could include the use of impact statements, apology letters, mediation or face to face meetings.
We have found impact statements to be a powerful tool. It’s a short written document giving the harmed person the opportunity to express themselves in a safe manner.
This can then be read out to the other party, making them aware of the impact of their behaviour, and create a deeper understanding.
We can also arrange a ‘restorative circle’ meeting between parties. This takes place in a neutral environment with a caseworker present to provide a safe forum to listen to each other and respond.
Over the last year, 82% of people who contacted the Community Safety Casework Team told us they were very satisfied with the customer service they received, while 79% were very satisfied with how their case was handled.
Feedback from residents supported by the service included:
“Thanks for your help, it was really nice to have someone supportive go through the options and let me know there was some kind resolve.”
“Thank you very much for your reply which is by far the most helpful response I've received since the nightmare began.”
“This all sounds good news. Looks like being a good resolution all round. Well done to you and your team.”
“Your officer has been a consistent and supportive contact in helping us to deal with the regular anti-social behaviour we experience on an almost daily basis.”
“Just wanted to say a massive thank you for actioning this so quickly.”
“Thank you for the work you do and for taking this action, it is really appreciated.”
Everyone in Brighton & Hove has a right to feel safe.
We encourage anyone who has experienced anti-social behaviour or hate incidents, including harassment, to report it.
Brighton & Hove City Council works closely with the police and our communities to prevent anti-social behaviour and hate incidents and support anyone affected.
Council tenants and housing association tenants who have experienced ASB or hate incidents in or near their homes should report it to their landlord.
You can contact our community safety team by:
Or report anti-social behaviour and hate incidents to Sussex Police or call them on 101 if it’s not an emergency.
