Don't try to force respect, NHF advises

Respect is not something that should be forced said the National Housing Federation (NHF), giving its welcome to an anti social behaviour drive announced by the Government – but warning that landlords must be free to frame local solutions to local problems.

The Government’s announcement that millions of people across the country will get extra help to tackle anti social behaviour, with front-line staff and community champions receiving training and support to use tough powers and solve local problems are regarded as positive.

However, housing associations should not be compelled to adopt the Respect agenda, the organisation added, as this could divert resources away from long-standing and successful measures that housing associations already have in place to meet specific local problems.

NHF chief executive David Orr said: “No one should be forced to live in constant fear of crime and harassment – and we welcome any measures which will effectively help to tackle the scourge of anti social behaviour.

“Housing associations across the country are already at the forefront of addressing anti social behaviour within their communities – and have proved highly effective at defeating the hooligans with an innovative and diverse range of targeted programmes.

“We are concerned that compelling landlords to adopt the Respect agenda could divert resources away from the already very successful measures housing associations have in place and could stifle creative local solutions to these often complex issues."