ASB Case Reviews: updated statutory guidance
On 17 September 2025 the Government published updated statutory guidance on anti-social behaviour. Although dated July 2025, the guidance only appeared on the gov.uk website in September.
The amendments primarily focus on strengthening the ASB Case Review process, making it more victim-centred and accessible. These changes respond to findings that many victims don't know about the Case Review process or feel unsupported when using it.
In this blog post, we look at some of the main changes.
1. Promotion of the ASB Case Review process
The Case Review process must now be explained to all victims of ASB who make two reports in any six-month period - regardless of whether they actually meet the threshold for a Case Review.
This is a significant change. Previously, many victims only learned about Case Reviews when they met the threshold. Now, you must proactively inform victims about this option even if their situation doesn't yet qualify.
What to do now: Review your ASB response letters and procedures to ensure every second report triggers information about the Case Review process.
2. Accessibility of the ASB Case Review process
The Case Review process must be accessible to all victims. This means the application process must cater for people who may not have internet access or smartphones, or who may have other support or assistance needs.
Practical implications:
● Offer multiple routes to apply (phone, paper forms, in-person assistance)
● Train staff to help victims complete applications if needed
● Consider accessibility needs (language, disability, literacy) when designing your process
3. Victim inclusion and support
The guidance significantly expands on how victims should be involved throughout the process:
● Victims should be able to choose their level of involvement
● Victims must be consulted on any action plan before it's finalised
● Victims should be invited to attend meetings (in person or virtually)
● Victims should be invited to provide written impact statements
This shifts the Case Review from something done about the victim to something done with them.
The guidance also refers to the Victims' Code (2023), which gives people who have suffered harm from criminal conduct the right to support – whether or not the incident gets formally recorded as a crime or leads to charges.
What to do: Where ASB has been reported to police, refer the victim to local support services. Even where it hasn't been reported to police, make sure victims know how to access such services themselves.
4. Single Point of Contact (SPoC)
When a complaint progresses to a Case Review, the victim must be given a Single Point of Contact from the relevant organisation.
The SPoC is responsible for:
● Being the victim's primary contact throughout the process
● Keeping the victim regularly updated on progress
● Notifying the victim when and why a case is being closed
What to do now: Designate who will be SPoCs before cases arise. Ensure they have capacity to maintain regular contact and understand their responsibilities under the guidance.
5. Independent Chair
Case Review chairs should have appropriate training in ASB procedures and legislation, and must be independent from the case itself.
Independence can mean appointing someone from your Community Safety Partnership who hasn't dealt with this particular matter, or bringing in someone from a neighbouring local authority.
Having an independent chair brings fresh eyes to assess what's been done and what else might help. They can challenge assumptions and suggest approaches the original team may not have considered.
What to do now: Councils should establish arrangements with neighbouring councils or Community Safety Partnership members who can chair reviews. Don't wait until a case arises to identify potential independent chairs.
Conclusion
The updated guidance is designed to increase awareness of, and confidence in, the Case Review process. It ensures victims are heard, supported, and kept at the heart of decision-making.
Landlords should review their ASB Case Review procedures now to ensure compliance with these strengthened requirements when handling victim complaints.
