Agenda item

Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs) are under a duty to produce a Community Safety Plan to formulate and implement a strategy to reduce crime and disorder, combat substance misuse, and reduce re-offending. This report provides information on the proposed Plan, which forms part of the Council’s Policy Framework, to cover the period from 2020 to 2024.

Discussion:

This report provided information on the proposed Community Safety Partnership (CSP) Plan 2020 to 2024. The Chairman of the CSP explained that the Plan included four priorities which would be monitored by way of a ‘4 P Plan’ (Prevent, Protect, Pursue and Prepare). The priorities were: (1) Safeguarding Adults and Children; (2) Reducing Vulnerability; (3) Reducing Reoffending; and (4) Listening to our Communities and Partners.

In relation to questions regarding addressing problematic begging, particularly in Chatham High Street, it was explained that it was a difficult issue to tackle and the tools available to the Council were limited. It was recognised that the situation was much improved and there was a need to build on the existing good work with compassion and humanity. The Chairman of the CSP aimed to engage with the Magistrates Courts to discuss options for restorative justice in preference to financial penalties.

In response to a question regarding the adequacy of funding for voluntary sector organisations, it was explained that whilst further funding was always welcome, it was important that organisations made the best use of resources. It was incumbent on all agencies to work together in a co-ordinated way to deliver a shared vision. It was added that at a Task Group was currently underway looking at the voluntary sector.

In response to questions regarding consultation and engagement, it was explained that the CSP held regular consultation events which focussed on particular themes. The next public consultation event would be held in March 2020. Social media was not considered as an appropriate means to consult. The introduction of the monthly ‘Member’s Surgery’ was welcomed.

With reference to page 133 of the agenda (page 9 of the Strategic Assessment 2019, Appendix 1 to the report), a view was expressed that Strood North should also be considered as a ‘hotspot’. In response, it was explained that these ‘hotspots’ were derived from assessing data in relation to crime activity. Distilling the data into super output areas highlighted particular areas of concern for example Luton. This was the focus area of the Task Force.

Asked how the Board could encourage individuals to report crime, it was explained that the 101 police non-emergency reporting service should be promoted. The online service was considered to be particularly user friendly.

Recognising that issues tackled by the CSP were a symptom of deprivation, it was suggested that the Board consider a report which sets out holistically existing action undertaken in Medway to lessen deprivation.

Decision:

The Health and Wellbeing Board:

a)    noted the strategic assessment as set out at Appendix 1 to the report;

b)    noted the proposed Community Safety Plan 2020 - 2024 as set out at Appendix 2 to the report;

c)    noted that the proposed Community Safety Plan 2020 – 2024 will be considered by the Regeneration, Culture and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 26 March 2020, the Cabinet on 7 April 2020 and will be determined by full Council on 23 April 2020; and

d)    agreed to add to the work programme a report which broadly sets out existing action undertaken in Medway to lessen deprivation.