The Committee received and commented on the Community Safety Partnership Plan 2021-23. The main points of the discussion on the report may be summarised as follows:

The Committee:

v  Welcomed the partnership Community Safety Plan for 2021-24 and the priorities set out in the plan.

v  Noted that the Crime and Anti-social behaviour continue to be a key priority for residents as highlighted in the Annual Residents Survey. From the 2019 survey we know 48% of residents said that crime and ASB as their top concern.

v  Noted a number of indicators on concerns about ASB being problem that had risen over the year including:

A.   People using or dealing drugs.

B.   People being drunk or rowdy.

C.   Noisy neighbours; and

D.   Vandalism and graffiti.

v  Noted in the report the Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on crime and ASB and as there was no Annual Residents Survey last year these indicators were also likely to rise. The Committee was pleased therefore that tackling neighbourhood crime and ASB is reflected as a priority in the Plan.

v  Noted that LBTH had the highest level of reported ASB in London and that Covid and lockdown measures were contributing to rise in demand. It also noted that substance misuse is one the key drivers for ASB. The Community Safety Partnership confirmed that it was managing ASB levels using engagement, support and enforcement model for people engaged in substance misuse. 

v  Wanted to ensure partnership work with RSLs is reflected in the plan. Many larger ones are focused on addressing ASB with patrol services like Parkguard. It is particularly key LBTH ensures THH are achieving value for money from their ASB services now that patrol services have been passed directly to tenants and leaseholders.

v  Questioned whether increase reporting of ASB a good sign of people’s confidence in systems for reporting is is or whether it was as a result of people seeing more ASB.

v  Wanted to see performance indicators against the outcomes that the partnership is seeking to achieve to enable the partnership to measure progress and also for the public to be able to hold agencies to account.

v  Wanted to see the delivery plan on tackling neighbourhood crime and ASB and have an opportunity to feed into this.

v  Indicated that given the on-going discussion about the Chinese Embassy and the need for visible and protective security this should be a key priority.

v  Stressed the need for clear communication to residents about how to report ASB and who is responsible for addressing as there is still confusion amongst residents as they are passed on by agencies.

v  Agreed that engaging, empowering, and hearing the voice and concerns of local residents needs to be at the forefront of the delivery and annual review of the plan.

In conclusion, the Chair:

A.   Thanked Councillor Sirajul Islam; Denise Radley; and Ann Corbett for their presentation and to all members for their contributions in the deliberations on this topic.

B.   Indicated that the comments of the Committee would be presented to the by Cabinet before the report is submitted to Full Council; and

C.   Stated that as part of the Committee’s work programme for 2021-2022 it will be important to review progress against this plan and welcomed the engagement of partners in the scrutiny process.