Get your administrative skates on

The Antisocial Behaviour Act received royal assent on 22 November 2003. Some of the powers are now being used, but Chapter 2 – Housing will come into operation from 30 June in England. The Welsh assembly has yet to confirm the date of commencement for Wales.

This act provides many new powers – all well and good. But social landlords should note that they also have a new duty to publish their policy on tackling antisocial behaviour by 30 December 2004.

The Social Landlords Crime and Nuisance Group has already let members have an example document to kick-start the process. The ODPM has been consulting on its draft statutory code of guidance, which closes today, and it intends to publish the code in early August. The Housing Corporation will follow the same timescale.

It all sounds pretty much under control, right? Until you think about consultation. Even if it's not a requirement, it is certainly good practice to consult widely. Next think about fitting in the work with your committee or board schedule and then about the realities of a production and printing schedule during December.

If you have not started the process yet, you should think about it now.

Don't wait for the ODPM/Housing Corporation guidance. Use the consultation paper as a steer. It is available at www.odpm.gov.uk/housing/consult.