To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any remedies available to the public when (i) Housing Executive; or (ii) housing association, landlords do not deal with non-criminal antisocial behaviour.

This issue is an operational matter for Northern Ireland Housing Executive; they have advised me as follows:

“The Housing Executive endeavours to deal with all reports of antisocial behaviour within the relevant statutory and policy frameworks. A number of other agencies including local councils and DfI also have powers in relation to certain types of antisocial behaviour and, whilst we work in partnership with such agencies, members of the public can also raise issues with them directly.

If a member of the public is not satisfied with the way in which a case has been dealt with by the Housing Executive, they can enter the complaints process which involves an independent consideration of how the case has been handled. At the conclusion of the internal complaints process, should they remain dissatisfied, they can refer their case to Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman.

A member of the public may also consider private or civil legal remedies in relation to the issue. If any member of the public is considering this, it is recommended they seek independent legal advice.”

In respect of Registered Housing Associations, instances of non-criminal anti-social behaviour should be raised with the relevant Registered Housing Association (RHA). If the member of the public raising the concern is not satisfied with the action taken to address the issue, they can make a formal complaint to the RHA. Information on how to do this can be found on the RHA’s website.

If, once this process has been exhausted, the complainant considers the issue to remain unresolved, they can make a complaint to the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman.