New guidance to help communities tackle anti-social behaviour

Local councils need to work more closely with other agencies to address anti-social behaviour associated with Gypsies and Travellers, Communities Secretary John Denham said today.

As with all communities only a small minority of Gypsies and Travellers behave anti-socially and their mobile lifestyle can exacerbate this - but perceptions that the community is not dealt with the same as other communities damage public confidence about fair treatment for all.

The Government today published guidance for local authorities, the police and other agencies, setting out the strong powers that are available to them in dealing with anti-social behaviour associated with Gypsies and Travellers - whether they are the perpetrators or the victims - and where possible preventing such behaviour before it occurs. Powers include Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs), Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs) and injunctions.

This guidance makes clear what action can be taken on policing and prevention, fly-tipping, noise, straying livestock and untaxed vehicles. It also stresses the importance of agencies working together to apply the same rules to Gypsies and Travellers when gathering evidence, prosecuting and collecting fines.

To view the guidance in full, go to: http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/housing/anti-socialbehaviourguide