Scottish Government

Published by the Scottish Executive, November 2005

ISBN 0 7559 4766 5

This document is also available in pdf format (484k)

Contents

Ministerial Foreword
Messages of Support
Antisocial Behaviour Milestones 2004-2005
Local Communities Standing up to Antisocial Behaviour
Award Winners
Antisocial Behaviour Legislation
How the Measures are being used
Use of Antisocial Behaviour Orders
Supporting Agencies to use the Legislation
Keeping the Public Informed
What is Scottish Executive ASB Funding being used for?
Improving Local Services
People who want to Make a Difference
Tackling Antisocial Behaviour in Action - The PIER Approach
How will we Measure Success?

Ministerial Foreword

Tackling antisocial behaviour is one of the top priorities for people in Scotland. Antisocial behaviour affects the quality of life of everyone. We all want to live without the threat of crime and disorder hanging over us and our families. Failing to deal with antisocial behaviour creates a downward spiral, even in thriving communities, and can put a stop to efforts to improve neighbourhoods needing help. Left unchecked, antisocial behaviour undermines respect.

Back in May 2003, when we embarked on the antisocial behaviour legislation, we had to persuade a lot of professional, political and media people that this was a real and growing problem in Scotland. We didn't have to persuade the hard-pressed communities that live with it every day.

Nobody now denies that tackling antisocial behaviour is a priority. The overwhelming vote in Parliament demonstrates that beyond doubt.

Much has been achieved over the past year and much of the groundwork that is necessary to achieve sustainable success against antisocial behaviour is now in place. People have been recruited and trained, new services are operational and multi-agency strategies are now in place. Experience is growing in the use of the new legal powers we have given to local councils, the police and their partners. More needs to be done, however, particularly to ensure that these measures are used to benefit communities in all parts of Scotland.

We all acknowledge that a lot of antisocial behaviour - whether by adults or children - is the result of deep-seated problems requiring long-term solutions, and Scottish Ministers are totally committed to addressing these. But the problems that particular individuals face should not stop us from dealing with the effects of their antisocial behaviour on others.

This report is full of examples of how the needs of the law-abiding majority are being put first. This is being made possible by our legislation, the substantial investment we are putting in and the dedication of staff and agencies on the ground. Working together with local communities we seek to create an environment in which respect can flourish.

Hugh Henry, MSP
Deputy Minister for Justice

Messages of Support

COSLA has been fully supportive of the Scottish Executive's efforts to address antisocial behaviour. No-one is more conscious of the damage that such behaviour inflicts on local communities than those councillors elected to serve them. And as the Antisocial Behaviour (Scotland) Act 2004 confirmed, local government is central to achieving the reduction in unacceptable behaviour that our communities desire. COSLA has therefore embraced the new powers and responsibilities given to local authorities and their partners to tackle antisocial behaviour. This first anniversary report provides many examples of the valuable work taking place locally to improve people's lives, but COSLA recognises that more can and must be done to address this blight. In this context, local government remains fully committed to building upon the progress made in the last year.
Councillor Pat Watters, President, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities ( COSLA)

The antisocial behaviour legislation provides a range of measures which have been a very valuable addition to the existing toolkit and they have assisted the police to tackle persistent antisocial behaviour within our communities. Since its introduction, the police service has adopted a victim centred approach to the practical implementation of the new measures, created avenues for the effective exchange of information with our partners at a national, regional and local level and has actively participated in the joint responsibility of creating and implementing local antisocial behaviour strategies.

In addition, systems have been put in place to familiarise staff with the new powers, which will continue to be used to meet the particular needs of victimised communities and individuals whose lifestyles are severely affected by disorder in its various forms.
Mr. Peter Wilson on behalf of Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, JQP

The Scottish Children's Reporter Administration welcomed the passing of the Antisocial Behaviour (Scotland) Act 2004 and the introduction of measures to strengthen the role of the Children's Hearings System.

We are committed to working with our partners to deliver effective responses to antisocial behaviour, ensuring that the Act benefits communities all across Scotland.
Margaret Cox, Principal Reporter, Scottish Children's Reporter Administration

Our recent membership survey confirms that antisocial behaviour remains a significant issue for housing associations, but that real progress is being made in terms of improved working arrangements between landlords, local authorities, the police and other key agencies. The increasing number of housing associations able to access local authority antisocial behaviour teams is a clear example of the partnership working which has been developing. This will greatly benefit tenants and residents, who we hope will be seeing genuine improvements in the way antisocial behaviour is being dealt with in their area.
Jacqui Watt, Chief Executive, Scottish Federation of Housing Associations

The Fire and Rescue Service welcome the opportunity to network effectively with partner agencies and to work directly with young people in ways that are interesting and challenging. Our focus is firmly on prevention and, by delivering initiatives that promote learning and responsible citizenship we are reducing the effect of fire related antisocial behaviour on both our service and on communities across Scotland.
Brian P Sweeney, Chief Officer
Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Community Fire Safety Champion, Chief Fire Officers Association Scotland

Both tackling antisocial behaviour and promoting community safety are key corporate priorities for local authorities and their community planning partners who are committed to using the powers in the Act as appropriate to the benefit of all residents in Scotland.
Gavin Whitefield, North Lanarkshire Council and Society of Local Authority Chief Executives

Antisocial Behaviour Milestones 2004-2005

There has been a great deal of progress since the antisocial behaviour legislation was passed. This table sets out some of the key milestones.

Local Communities Standing up to Antisocial Behaviour

Local communities across Scotland are standing up to antisocial behaviour. Together, with the Co-operative Group, the Scottish Executive set up an awards scheme to recognise their courage and commitment.

We recognise that the action taken by local people is central to tackling antisocial behaviour in our communities. And that is why, together with the Co-operative Group, we launched the Standing Up to Antisocial Behaviour Awards scheme in February this year.

The aim of the scheme is to recognise the drive, courage and commitment of people who have tackled antisocial behaviour and made a real difference in their area. There are four categories: individuals; group projects; young people; and community agents/wardens.

The closing date for applications was 15 April and we received over 130 applications. It was a difficult judging process, as all the applications were of very high quality, but eventually the independent panel of judges came to a decision. The projects on the following pages have won £5,000 each to spend on antisocial behaviour initiatives which will bring visible and tangible benefits to their local neighbourhoods.

"The award winners, and all those who entered, have shown that ordinary people can do extraordinary things to improve their neighbourhood. I hope that their actions will encourage others to follow suit. If we all work together we can stand up to antisocial behaviour and develop a culture of respect - respect for our communities, respect for our neighbours and respect for ourselves."

Cathy Jamieson, MSP
Minister for Justice

Award Winners

Canonbie Youth Group, Dumfries & Galloway

Canonbie Youth Group was set up in September 2004 by 10 young people who felt that they could tackle the antisocial behaviour problems in the neighbourhood by improving activities for youths. They have arranged under-18's discos, a car wash event and re-decorated the bus shelter. The money raised from these events has helped the group set up a youth football team and a website.

These activities have given the young people something to do. Complaints of noise and other general nuisance behaviour by young people has reduced considerably. There have also been no further instances of graffiti.

Sighthill Library initiative, Edinburgh

Young people were engaged in antisocial behaviour in and around the library. Banning the youths had failed so the library staff thought up a new approach to engage young people including a "teen area" and lots of other initiatives.

This led to a significant difference to the area including a reduction in graffiti in and around the library and a positive response from young people and the community.

Alan Morris, Glasgow

Alan was seriously injured in an attack on a bus when a brick was thrown through the window - something that unfortunately was happening all too often in the area. Along with the police, Alan visited every school in Drumchapel to talk to children and young people about the devastating effect that this mindless action could cause.

Kingdom Off-Road Motorcycle Club, Fife

There were significant noise problems in Fife due to illegal off-road riding. A group of volunteers decided to get together to do something about it. They campaigned and received funding from Levenmouth Regeneration Group and Communities Scotland and used the funding to set up an indoor and outdoor facility for motorcycling.

Since then, there has been a significant reduction of illegal off-road riding.

You can read more about the runners-up by clicking on our antisocial behaviour website at: www.standinguptoasbawards.com

The winners and runners-up, together with their families, were also invited to the first national antisocial behaviour awards ceremony held in the Merchants' Hall in Edinburgh on 5 October to receive their certificate and cheque!

Antisocial Behaviour Legislation

Measures in the Antisocial Behaviour (Scotland) Act 2004 include local antisocial behaviour strategies, antisocial behaviour orders for under-16s, dispersal of groups, closure of premises and new environmental powers which came into effect in October 2004.
Other measures such as electronic monitoring (or "tagging"), Restriction of Liberty Orders and the piloting of Fixed Penalty Notices by Tayside Police came into effect in April 2005. They are now starting to make a difference.

By passing this legislation, the Parliament sent out a clear message that enough was enough - that our communities should have stronger measures to deal with the kind of behaviour that blights lives. We took a stand for the law-abiding majority who care about their communities, by giving agencies additional tools and powers to stand up to the law-breaking minority who couldn't care less.

Local authorities, the police and other agencies have a responsibility to their communities to use these powers whenever and wherever appropriate. Already there are positive results from the use of the powers.

For example - Closure orders - issued on premises at the centre of acute and persistent antisocial behaviour - have given the surrounding community respite. One resident in Montrose said: "It has been a living hell for all the rest of us. It will be bliss for the first time in months to have some peace and quiet."

The table on the next page shows how the legislation has been used across Scotland. As experience in using the new powers grows, we expect the measures to be used more widely.

How the measures are being used

Notes: Data on dispersal, closure and seizure of vehicles covers the period up to end of September 2005. Data for notices/penalties for noise nuisance is based on returns received by the Scottish Executive as at 1 November 2005. Data on use of Graffiti Removal Notices was not available at the time of publication. Use of fixed penalty notices for fly-tipping introduced November 2004. Information on the use of this power is not held centrally.

Use of Antisocial Behaviour Orders

210 ASBOs were GRANTED in Scotland in 2004/05 - that's a 42% increase on the previous year

What is an ASBO?

An Antisocial Behaviour Order (or ASBO for short) is a preventative order made by a court to protect victims of antisocial behaviour and the wider community from further acts of antisocial behaviour - that is, behaviour that causes alarm and distress. Normally the ASBO will set out certain restrictions on the perpetrator - for example, that they cannot go into a certain area, or do certain things that are associated with their unacceptable behaviour. If the person does not follow the conditions laid down then the order is breached - which is a criminal offence and can lead to a fine or imprisonment.

ASBOs can be applied for by local councils or Registered Social Landlords (housing associations). Interim orders are also available to halt antisocial behaviour more quickly. ASBOs have been available since 1999 and the Antisocial Behaviour (Scotland) Act extended their use.

What changes did the Act introduce?

The Antisocial Behaviour (Scotland) Act made the following changes in relation to ASBOs.

• Extended their use to 12 - 15 year olds - the Sheriff has to have regard to the views of the Principal Reporter before an interim ASBO can be granted and the views of the Children's Panel before a full ASBO can be granted. Local authorities, the police and Children's Reporters are currently working together as part of local antisocial behaviour strategies to develop ways of implementing these for the small minority of young people who cause misery in the places they live.
• Introduced a statutory power for the police to arrest the perpetrator if a breach occurs.
• Extended the area an ASBO can cover.
• Introduced ASBOs on conviction. This means a Sheriff or Justice of the Peace can make an order as part of a sentence on an offender who has been convicted of an offence which included antisocial behaviour to stop them doing it again.

ASBOs are another tool in the tool-kit for tackling antisocial behaviour wherever it occurs - We have now made this a more powerful and effective tool.

ASBO Brings Results

A family took up a Waverley tenancy who had two male children. The teenage child verbally abused neighbours, played loud music and vandalised the property. The tenant became involved with neighbours if they verbally retaliated to her son's comments. The tenant was warned, in accordance with our antisocial behaviour procedure and given standard letters, and visits, ultimately resulting in a final warning by way of a joint visit with the police when the behaviour continued. When the behaviour still continued after the joint visit, this resulted in the tenant having an ASBO placed against her for a 5-year period. From the date of the ASBO being in force to date, some three years now, there have been no further incidents. A case of an ASBO having the desired effect!
Margaret Hogg, Waverley Housing

Supporting Agencies to use the Legislation

Tackling antisocial behaviour is often complex and difficult, but help is at hand so that local agencies can learn from each other.

Why is it important to offer support and promote good practice?

The Act expects a lot from agencies - nothing less than robust and effective efforts to tackle antisocial behaviour and make a difference in the communities they serve.

We know the dedicated people who work to tackle antisocial behaviour can't do this alone.

We also know that there is good practice on the ground that can be shared. We need to make sure that those agencies who are leading the way can offer their experience to others.

What is the Scottish Executive doing to help?

We have produced comprehensive guidance on all the key aspects of the legislation.

We have set up a national adviceline for professionals. It's a free service, staffed by experts in tackling antisocial behaviour and offers practical "can do" advice and information on the Act and other relevant legislation, in addition to all aspects of antisocial behaviour - prevention, intervention, diversion, enforcement and rehabilitation. Here are some of the things people have said about the help they have had:

"The Adviceline has provided great advice and has been very helpful. They are the experts and I am recommending the adviceline to all of my colleagues."
Inspector Matthew Reiss, Northern Constabulary

"Thanks for that - superb!"
Bill MacLean, ASB Investigations Team, Highlands Council

We've also set up a website www.antisocialbehaviourscotland.com with all our guidance and legislation easily accessible. It includes:

• real life case studies to show what can be done.
• information for the public and details of where they can get help in their area.

We've provided free training in six venues across Scotland where practitioners who have successfully used the new powers have shown others how they have done this. Sessions were interactive with step-by-step guidance to make taking action as trouble-free as possible.

We have supported networking events such as the annual Community Wardens conference and are working to develop the national Community Safety Network.

Keeping The Public Informed

The Scottish Executive has sought to keep the public informed of their rights and responsibilities and to let them know that the law is on their side.

The antisocial behaviour public information campaign was launched by the First Minister in February 2005. It reassured people that the law was on their side, told them about the new tools and powers now available to tackle antisocial behaviour and where they could go for help and support locally. Although the campaign was low key - with advertising on buses and the radio - it achieved a 33% prompted awareness response and has been well received by delivery agencies. In addition to bus and radio advertising a leaflet "It's Wrong. Your Rights" was delivered to households across Scotland.

Further public information campaigns are planned.

What is Scottish Executive ASB Funding being used for?

We knew that, while some councils and their partners were already working hard to tackle antisocial behaviour, there was a need to invest in services to raise the standard across Scotland.

The Executive has made available millions of pounds to local agencies so that they can provide more services to help tackle antisocial behaviour: £130 million over 2004-8 for tackling antisocial behaviour and promoting community safety and £35m for youth justice services over 2004-6. These services are making a big difference to local people's lives, helping them feel supported, and increasing their confidence to report instances of antisocial behaviour.

Improving local services

This funding has been used for a range of services, depending on local priorities, including:

• mediation services;
• community wardens;
• local noise teams;
• hotlines to report antisocial behaviour;
• dedicated antisocial behaviour teams;
• seconded police officers;
• victim and witness support;
• youth justice diversionary projects;
• to support the use of parenting orders and ASBOs for under-16s;
• restorative justice projects;
• projects working intensively with the most antisocial families; and
• services to tackle wider community safety issues such as fire, drug misuse and violence.

For example, there are 550 community wardens patrolling in hard-pressed neighbourhoods across Scotland. Every council area now has at least one community warden scheme.

As one resident said about wardens in Peterhead: "You can actually see it's made a difference. You don't have so many kids running about causing trouble and there does seem to be less graffiti and vandalism."

People who want to make a difference

Many of those people working to tackle antisocial behaviour are strongly committed to what their agencies, together with partners and the local community, are trying to achieve.

There can be few jobs where you can have such a dramatic impact on the quality of life of individuals and communities. For many years antisocial behaviour had a low profile and taking effective action was difficult. Once I realised the problem was being treated seriously I decided I wanted to be involved.
Pat Kelly, North Ayrshire Council

I was working as a teacher in a residential setting and felt that, by the time young people ended up "in the system" it was often too late for them and the outcome was frequently tragic. I saw and see great potential in the antisocial behaviour legislation to possibly stop young people entering "the system" in the first place and have enjoyed trying to develop a service which might make this potential a reality. It is very satisfying seeing the change in those we have helped - the victims of antisocial behaviour.
Ian McGarry, East Ayrshire Council

Tackling Antisocial Behaviour in Action - The PIER Approach

Antisocial behaviour legislation and funding is being used in a variety of ways to tackle local problems through a mix of prevention, early intervention, enforcement and rehabilitation.

Local agencies are using antisocial behaviour funding to tackle antisocial behaviour in a variety of different ways, using the PIER approach. That is, a mixture of PREVENTION, EARLY INTERVENTION, ENFORCEMENT and REHABILITATION. The examples below illustrate the kind of projects that are being used to tackle problems and bring relief to local communities.

Thanks to all those people who submitted examples of action being taken in their local communities. Apologies to all those whose contributions are not included here due to lack of space.

Closure Order Brings Rapid Relief

The implementation of a Closure Order in Montrose was an excellent example of agencies working together to resolve a difficult, serious and escalating problem. A young council tenant, along with numerous friends and visitors to his home, carried out a course of extreme criminal and antisocial behaviour that had a serious and ongoing effect on neighbours and the wider community. His refusal to heed warnings or engage with agencies offering advice and support called for swift and effective action. The Closure Order provisions provided the best course of action in the circumstances and following consultation between the council and police, an Order was applied for and granted within a week, resulting in immediate relief for the victims.
Bob Sutherland, Angus Council

Case Studies

Streetwork with young people

Through the streetwork conducted by the seconded youth action worker within West Lothian's Neighbourhood Response Team ( NRT), individuals have been engaged with, given a chance to change their behaviour, and have been provided with a more positive outlet. Acceptable Behaviour Contracts have sometimes been used, monitored by the police, Community Wardens and NRT.
Douglas Marr, West Lothian Council

Supporting vulnerable residents in Paisley

I feel I could write a book on the number of cases we have been involved in. One, which particularly sticks out in my mind, is an elderly tenant being harassed by youths. He lived alone in a bought house in Paisley. The youths were knocking on his door and throwing eggs at his windows. He would go out and tell them off, which only exacerbated the situation and resulted in verbal abuse and name-calling when he was out in the street. He came to see me, was very distressed and wanted to try and move away from the area. I advised him that the Neighbourhood Wardens would check on him every night (they actually checked on him two and three times a night) calling in to see how he was. The community police also kept an eye on him. I advised him to stay indoors and not to react to the egg-throwing. These attacks became less frequent and eventually stopped. The culprits were local children who soon realised that the wardens were not going to go away and would indeed take action if the behaviour did not stop.
Kathy Tooke, Renfrewshire Council

Defusing gang feuds in Edinburgh

We used a Closure Order to address a particular problem involving feuding between two rival drug gangs in a community in Edinburgh. The local Housing Management staff had been meeting on a regular basis with the ASB Division, the local police, the community concierges and community education staff to try and address the problem. However, following a shooting incident which endangered local residents not involved in the feud, a decision was taken to apply for a Closure Order in respect of the house of a particular tenant. This was obtained for an initial period of three months and, in the intervening period, agreement was reached with the tenant to relocate elsewhere. Whilst the problem is by no means completely resolved, the use of the new power greatly improved the quality of life for local residents and provided a really good example of partnership working.
Donald Urquhart, City of Edinburgh Council

ASB costs offenders in Tayside

Tayside Police implemented a one-year pilot of the use of Fixed Penalty Notices for antisocial behaviour from 1 April. Up to 31 August the force has issued 1,181 tickets, with 642 paid already and only 12 cases where an individual has asked for a court hearing. Most of the tickets, which attract a £40 fine, were issued for breach of the peace and urinating offences.

Feedback from police officers has been very positive in terms of time savings, less paperwork and ease of use. Given that this legislation may impact across the whole of Scotland, it is important that the pilot is thoroughly evaluated, especially with regard to the effect on antisocial behaviour.
Chief Supt Bill Harkins, Tayside Police

Dealing with complex problems

The City of Edinburgh Council's Neighbourhood Support Team works as a "changing behaviour" housing support service with people who are causing problems of nuisance and antisocial behaviour.

At referral, Michelle was already close to eviction and faced a number of complex and demanding issues. There was a serious pattern of antisocial behaviour with significant impact on a local neighbourhood and enforcement action included an ASBO and a recently served nuisance notice of proceedings for eviction.

Michelle's household was made up of three boys and a girl and her partner Douglas lived nearby. During the course of NST assessment, a number of issues became apparent. Michelle has mental health issues impacting on her status as head of the family and her esteem. Douglas has an ASBO preventing him entering Michelle's street due to his conduct with other neighbours. The eldest two boys have offending histories, poor school attendance and feature in local community complaints of antisocial behaviour. Michelle exhibited an extremely fragile mental and emotional state at the time of assessment.

"They were threatening to evict me and I was at the end of my tether. I didn't know which way to turn. I was on the verge of ending the whole thing. "I can't do this any more." said Michelle.

Michelle did engage with the service and a support agreement was drawn up with her that focused initially on: helping Michelle regain her status as head of household, helping her set appropriate boundaries and routines within the home; addressing Michelle's mental health with appropriate services; starting work with the eldest boys on challenging their behaviour, supporting better arrangements for schooling and the productive use of their time.

"She [the Support Worker] realised that I knew what to do, but I could never put it in the right perspective to fulfil it. So we'd sit and go through it … it helped straighten my mind on how to tackle a problem. She was the one saying 'you will get there, you will do it'. And she was right … I can walk out my door with confidence. I kept saying 'thank you' and she'd say 'no, you have done it'" Michelle recalled.

As the situation in the family household stabilised, nuisance issues began to reduce. Michelle made a choice to separate from Douglas. A case management process involving Michelle was helpful in this case. Other agencies provided support and learning for family members that assisted the NST in its own work on developing sustainable living and problem-solving skills, and in starting to work on building some positive connections back to the community. After some months, when Michelle was ready, she spoke to a local community representative about the work she had been doing to change the behaviour that had been causing difficulty.

"I am a lot happier and calmer. My life has been a lot different since I worked with [ NST Worker]… I think it is excellent." said Michelle.

Michelle's case was lodged in court following the service of the nuisance notice. In view of her improvement in behaviour, a long continuation and then a court sitting was agreed. As part of completion of a year's work with the NST the case management process agreed that the case be returned to court and dismissed.
Edinburgh Neighbourhood Support Team

Supporting witnesses

We received a request to support a family suffering from extreme antisocial behaviour. Their neighbour had damaged their property and car and noisy parties had also been a problem. The mother of the family had been assaulted and the family had to attend court regarding this incident.

A member of the Support Team accompanied the family to court providing emotional and practical support to the mother and young teenage son who was also a witness. The Support Worker linked with a Witness Service volunteer to provide reassurance and offer guidance about what to expect when giving evidence. After the case was heard the family were relieved when the Support Worker called to let them know the accused had been found guilty.

The Antisocial Task Force is currently applying for an ASBO and the family is still receiving support during this difficult time via home visits and telephone support. A Safer Homes referral was made by the Support Worker to provide the family with extra security while they are being guided through this process.

The mother of the family called the Support Team and said she was extremely grateful to have someone with her at court and to listen to her fears and concerns. The Support Team has helped this family feel valued and listened to while they are going through this experience.
Matt Costello, North Lanarkshire Council

Wardens collecting evidence in Argyll & Bute

We received numerous complaints from neighbours of an antisocial tenant regarding loud music, bottles smashed, windows broken and general rowdiness. A range of agencies got involved, including police, housing and the HELP project that provides supported accommodation for 16-25 year olds.

We monitored the situation ourselves and took notes of times, etc. and collated evidence from neighbours. A file is now with the housing team who are processing an eviction order from the evidence provided.

Neighbours were threatening to leave the area but because we have resolved the situation they are more than happy to stay where they are. The person causing the antisocial behaviour has quietened down as he now realises the consequences of his actions.
Argyll & Bute Warden Team

Action on noise

The joint council/police noise team in Dumfries & Galloway has noticed a dramatic reduction in the number of repeat and persistent complaints compared to pre-existing arrangements. We believe this is due to working with a dedicated team which ensures continuity and consistency in the approach to, and enforcement of, domestic noise complaints. This, together with the provision of effective deterrents - written warning notices and the threat of a hefty fixed penalty and/or confiscation of equipment, and the opportunity to explain the social and health effects of excessive noise is, we believe, providing great benefit to residents of Dumfries and Galloway.
Mandy Friels, Dumfries and Galloway Council

Sustainable change in Glasgow

Glasgow's Antisocial Behaviour Task Force provides a co-ordinated approach to tackling antisocial behaviour at local level. The Task Force has responded to local needs through consultation with local communities and service providers at ward level. This has resulted in the development of local strategies and action plans designed to target specific issues and concerns, with the aim of developing long-term sustainable change to the communities affected. This approach is currently being implemented within Glasgow's Shettleston Ward, as part of a rolling programme across 10 wards.
Glasgow Antisocial Behaviour Taskforce

How will we measure success?

Success is not just about the number of ASBOs taken out, or the number of Closure Orders granted, although it is important that they are used by local agencies where appropriate. Success is about local agencies working together to achieve real, tangible improvements for local communities. Improvements that make a difference to people and improve their quality of life.

And that is why Executive funding to local agencies from 2005 onwards to tackle antisocial behaviour is tied to antisocial behaviour outcome agreements. These will give local agencies the flexibility to spend money according to local needs and priorities. But, in return, local agencies will be expected to deliver change, and will be required to report annually to the Executive on their progress and achievement of outcomes.

We are also assessing the success of the Executive's antisocial behaviour strategy at a national level through statistics and surveys, and at a neighbourhood level through in-depth case studies in a number of selected neighbourhoods. We will use the case studies to help promote best practice among antisocial behaviour practitioners.