Safe as Houses

A report highlighting examples of good practice by European social housing organisations in addressing problems caused by anti-social behaviour.

Housing organisations in the European Union play a key role in preventing and dealing with the problems caused by anti-social behaviour. It is important work. Surveys in Sweden and the UK, for example, reveal that fear of anti-social behaviour and crime heads the list of social housing tenants concerns. The costs of dealing with vandalism and graffiti are high and widespread and consistent behaviour anti-social behaviour can make estates unpopular and difficult to let, with serious financial consequences for social housing organisations.

Housing organisations working in the EU use the law as a last resort to deal with anti-social behaviour, preferring to prevent or deal with problems through:

•  Good design and planning of housing and estates
•  Good housing management
•  Prevention and intervention, particularly with young people
•  Working in partnership with the police, local authorities
  and other organisations
•  Working with local communities
•  Security measures

This report outlines good practice examples from the Netherlands, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Denmark and Spain where these measures have been successfully used.

Please place an order with CECODHAS (Housing Europe) (Copies are available in English, French and German)