By Richard Blakeway, the Housing Ombudsman

Recently, while sipping my breakfast coffee listening to Radio 4, I was surprised to hear our service mentioned on Thought for the Day.

Rev Lucy Winkett had picked up on the rise in complaints about antisocial behaviour (ASB). Within three minutes, she said so much that would feel so relevant to many housing professionals working in ASB. She talked about the “relevant responsibilities” of different parties, but also asked “deeper questions”, including how “many of the people making the noise, shouting abuse or attacking their neighbours are vulnerable, distressed or angry, sometimes addicted or unwell”.

This moved to an “ethical dialogue” about how people can become “stuck in patterns of behaviour that damage themselves and others”, raising questions about the role of community. Whether you have faith or none, this will feel relatable for many working in this challenging field.

Read the full article from HQM here.