The No Home for Harm pledge was launched on 25 February 2020 by the Royal Borough of Greenwich and social landlords across the borough.
The pledge outlines a set of common principles, demonstrating a joint commitment by social landlords, including the Council, to work more collaboratively in tackling issues like anti-social behaviour (ASB), hate crime, serious violence and other forms of criminality or unacceptable behaviour that is likely to breach a tenancy.
At the launch of the pledge, Leader of the Council Councillor Danny Thorpe addressed the room of social landlords: “Social housing in Royal Greenwich provides stability and security for many people in our borough, and it is a fundamental part of their lives.
“I’m sure you will all agree that our role and responsibilities as social landlords go beyond, and is far more complex, than just providing affordable housing. Ensuring that residents also have safe and decent homes, in an equally safe and decent area, where they can thrive and prosper in their communities, is of the upmost importance.
“And this is the essence of this pledge, improving the way we all work together to address issues that affect residents, so we remain united in our common goal of making the borough a better place to live.”
The No Home for Harm pledge was signed by the Leader, Cabinet Member for Housing Councillor Chris Kirby, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Community Safety Cllr Jackie Smith and representatives from L&Q, Optivo, Southern Housing Group, PA Housing, Charlton Triangle Homes, Peabody, Hexagon and Moat.
The pledge will enhance joint working already taking place — several police operations into the supply of drugs from local addresses have resulted in enforcement against breaches of tenancy for the households involved, alongside partnership working to tackle crime in the areas affected.
As well as addressing issues affecting social housing residents, the Council and its partners, will also continue to tackle ASB and crime arising from private property households, be it rented, or owner occupied. Over the next year, the Council will expand No Home for Harm as a much wider campaign to address such issues. The Council is also proposing the introduction of a Selective Licensing scheme in an area of Royal Greenwich, to improve standards in private rented properties. The consultation is running till midnight on 26 April 2020 and residents are encouraged to share their views.
