Agenda item - Community Safety and Crime Reduction Strategy

Extract from the proceedings of the Neighbourhoods, Inclusion, Communities & Equalities Committee meeting held on the 3^rd July 2017; together with a report of the Executive Director for Neighbourhoods, Communities & Housing (copies attached).

22.1      Councillor Daniel noted that the report had previously been to the council and stated that she wished to commend it to the council for adoption.  A great deal of work had gone into the report and the drafting of the policy with a view to keeping the community as safe as possible.  It was likely that further changes would result at a national level but she hoped that with the support of partner agencies and community groups the strategy could be made to work at a local level.

22.2      Councillor Mac Cafferty stated that anti-social behaviour was on the increase in his ward and Brunswick & Adelaide residents felt under siege.  He therefore had to ask when would the Administration raise these issues with Sussex Police and seek to address the problems being faced on a daily basis.  A number of incidents were not being recorded and this had to change and Sussex Police needed to take action.  He hoped that this would change and residents would see a difference.

22.3      Councillor Deane referred to page 21 of the report and stated that residents were suffering from the late night economy culture and she had raised the matter at the Licensing Committee and asked for an amendment to be made within the strategy to reflect this matter but it had not materialised.

22.4      Councillor Simson referred to page 64 of the agenda and noted that she had raised the issue of the Housing directorate having its own anti-social behaviour team and a duplication in terms of policy and action taken.   She also noted that changes were being made in the policing of the night-time economy and queried how this would be addressed.

22.5      Councillor West stated that he was concerned that issues being raised had not been picked up at the committee stage.  It was an important strategy and he broadly welcomed the priorities identified but noted that he had asked for special attention to be applied to anti-social behaviour and hate-crime.  He supported the concerns raised by Councillor Mac Cafferty and suggested that it would help to have a police presence at LAT meetings.

22.6      Councillor Yates noted the comments and suggested that concerns could be raised with the Police & Crime Commissioner and the use of PSPO’s could be reviewed in regard to dealing with anti-social behaviour.  He hoped that the strategy could be agreed and welcomed the report.

22.7      Councillor Daniel stated that she hoped the strategy could be approved and stated that she would ask officers to review and update the Licensing Policy, having regard to comments made during the debate.  She wished to reassure Councillor Mac Cafferty that as a member of the Police & Crime Panel she had raised questions at various meetings, and would continue to do so although no answers had been forthcoming.

22.8      The Mayor noted that the recommendations had been moved and put them to a vote which was carried unanimously.

22.9      RESOLVED:

(1)       That the Community Safety and Crime Reduction Strategy 2017 – 20 be approved; and

(2)       That the suggested priority areas for reducing crime and disorder in Brighton and Hove, as agreed by the Neighbourhoods, Inclusion, Communities and Equalities Committee be endorsed.