The number of assaults on housing staff is increasing

According to research by Inside Housing, based on data from more than 200 local authorities, the number of assaults against housing staff rose by 16% in 2025.  This was based on the responses to Freedom of Information requests sent to every council in England, Wales and Scotland.  82% of the 4,403 recorded assaults in 2025 were verbal, while 8% were physical.  29 housing associations were also surveyed, recording 3,338 assaults during the year, an increase of 20% on 2024.  In addition to improved reporting methods, the increase was attributed to higher expectations from residents and increasing complex casework for staff members.