Manchester continues to lead with a proactive and community-focused approach to tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB), placing early intervention, partnership working, and victim support at the heart of its strategy.
The Manchester Housing Providers Partnership Community Safety forum has reaffirmed its commitment through a comprehensive framework that prioritises prevention, reduces harm, and ensures communities feel safe and supported.
A Preventative Approach That Works
In Manchester, most cases of anti-social behaviour are resolved without the need for legal action. Instead, agencies focus on early and informal interventions such as mediation, mentoring, warning interviews, and Acceptable Behaviour Agreements.
This approach recognises that ASB often has underlying causes, such as mental health challenges or substance misuse, and seeks to address these issues directly to create long-term behavioural change.
By working with individuals and providing access to support services, practitioners aim not only to stop harmful behaviour but also to prevent it from reoccurring.
Strong Partnerships Across the City
Tackling ASB is a shared responsibility. Manchester’s approach is underpinned by strong partnership working across organisations, including the Council, Greater Manchester Police, housing providers, and health services.
Key partnerships and forums include:
- The Community Safety Partnership Board
- Team Around the Neighbourhood meetings
- Multi-Agency Prevention and Support services
- Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA)
These partnerships ensure information is shared effectively and that responses are coordinated, consistent, and centred on community needs.
Putting Victims First
Supporting victims remains a central priority. Residents can report concerns through multiple channels, including phone, online platforms, and face-to-face engagement activities.
Urgent cases—such as those involving violence or hate incidents—receive a response within one working day, while most other cases are addressed within three to five working days.
Every victim is assigned a dedicated Case Officer who:
- Provides regular updates and reassurance
- Develops a tailored action plan
- Offers guidance on evidence gathering
- Connects individuals with specialist support services
Additional support is available through Greater Manchester Victims’ Services, offering practical assistance, emotional support, advocacy, and community outreach.
A Fair and Inclusive Approach
Manchester is committed to ensuring that ASB interventions are fair, proportionate, and legally compliant. Practitioners carefully consider the needs and vulnerabilities of all individuals involved, ensuring that actions align with the Human Rights Act 1998 and Equality Act 2010.
In cases involving vulnerable victims—such as “cuckooing” or home takeover—agencies prioritise protecting the victim while taking action against perpetrators.
Clear Principles for Positive Outcomes
Guided by national ASB principles, Manchester’s approach ensures:
- Victims are heard, supported, and taken seriously
- Processes are transparent and easy to understand
- Agencies work collaboratively across boundaries
- Individuals are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions
- Communities help shape priorities and solutions
Continuous Improvement and Accountability
Performance is closely monitored through quarterly reporting across housing providers, helping to identify best practice and drive improvement. Resident feedback also plays a key role, with satisfaction measures collected when cases are closed.
For individuals who feel their ASB concerns have not been adequately addressed, the ASB Case Review process provides an additional safeguard, enabling a multi-agency review of their case.
Looking Ahead
The Manchester Community Safety Partnership Strategy for 2026–2029 outlines six key priorities, including tackling neighbourhood crime, protecting young people, reducing serious violence, and making the city centre safer.
By continuing to invest in prevention, collaboration, and community engagement, Manchester remains committed to creating safer, stronger neighbourhoods for everyone.
