DECISION

1.    To approve the new approach to tackling anti-social behaviour set out in the document “Anti-Social Behaviour – A Blueprint for Local Action in Tower Hamlets” attached to the report.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, HEALTH, ADULTS AND COMMUNITY (D. RADLEY)

(Divisional Director, Community Safety, A. Corbett)

Councillor Asma Begum, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, introduced the report. She explained that tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) was a top priority for residents and this report set out how the Council and its partners would look to tackle the issue. The report also highlighted significant investment being made to support the plan.

Ann Corbett, Divisional Director, Community Safety, then took Members through the report in more detail including looking at the priorities, how victims were being put at the heart of the process and the importance of partnership and neighbourhood management models.

Councillor Peter Golds, Leader of the Conservative Group, addressed the meeting. He welcomed the aspirations of the report but questioned whether it was robust enough to tackle the many issues set out.

Members discussed the report and a number of points were raised including:

·         The need to tackle problems on housing estates.

·         How ASB needed to be tackled in conjunction with partners.

·         Particular issues were noted such as drug taking and car racing.

The Mayor welcomed the report, noting that it was a developing policy with a new Cabinet Member leading on the work, supported by Councillor John Pierce as a Mayoral Advisor on the work. He noted some of the actions that were already taking place such as trialling new road humps to reduce speeding. He highlighted the issue as an ongoing priority area and stated that he welcomed the active role of Scrutiny in monitoring the progress. He noted the pre-decision scrutiny questions and answers and agreed the recommendation as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To approve the new approach to tackling anti-social behaviour set out in the document “Anti-Social Behaviour – A Blueprint for Local Action in Tower Hamlets” attached to the report.