Agenda item

To receive an update from the Chief Officer (Safer Stronger Communities) against priorities included in the Safer Stronger Communities – Leeds Plan 2021-2024.

Individuals in attendance for this item were:

·  Paul Money (Chief Officer, Safer Stronger Communities Team)

·  Nadeem Siddique (Head of Community Relations and Cohesion)

·  Claire Smith (Head of Safer Neighbourhoods & ASB)

·  Mark Charlton (Head of Community Safeguarding)

·  Chief Superintendent Stephen Dodds (Leeds District Commander, West Yorkshire Police)

·  Chief Inspector Natasha Tierney (West Yorkshire Police)

Paul Money provided introductory comments in relation to both:

a)  Final annual update against priorities included in the Safer Stronger Communities Leeds Plan 2021 – 2024.

b)  Leeds Community Safety Strategy 2024 – 2027.

He reiterated the priorities reflected in the Safer Stronger Communities Leeds Plan 2021-2024 and emphasised the understanding amongst the team of the impact of crime and anti-social behaviour on individuals and communities.

He noted the alignment of the priorities within the Safer Stronger Communities Leeds Plan 2021 – 2024 with the Community Safety Strategy 2024-2027. He highlighted the importance across both strategies of early intervention and preventative activity informed by strong community intelligence.

Paul summarised the progress made against key deliverables within the current strategy. Work over recent years has included a focus on long term problem solving in communities, tackling violence against women and girls, and tackling serious youth violence.

The Scrutiny Board reflected on the strong partnership arrangements in place in Leeds and recognised that these are integral to delivering progress in relation to shared priorities. Members acknowledged the need for alignment between the Safer Stronger Communities Leeds Plan 2021 – 2024 and the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Plan 2021-2024.

Members welcomed the victim satisfaction measures presented in both reports and the reflections on the lived experience of those affected by crime. It was noted that it would be helpful to understand the distribution of crimes in terms of more localised geography as well as by the type of crime.

Claire Smith provided an overview of the Capable Guardian Service including the number of officers, patterns of work and the impact of high visibility patrols.

In response to member queries, Claire Smith confirmed that the collaborative approach to noise nuisance in areas occupied by the student population will be continued given the significance impact on the work. The agreement has led to a reduction in noise complaints and the introduction of a ‘Capable Guardian’ in the area has led to a significant reduction in crime.

It was noted that funding for the capable guardian service is provided via the UKSPF until March 2025.

Members welcomed the innovative partnerships delivering effective interventions in specific areas of the city. Claire confirmed that such approaches could be replicated in other areas such as town and district centres if specific concerns are identified and activities can be delivered using existing resources.

In response to member queries about future engagement with Scrutiny, Paul noted the importance of engagement with elected members in their capacity as community advocates who can reflect the concerns of local people.

Members again welcomed the detailed information relating to hate crime and highlighted that this would be subject to detailed consideration later in the municipal year.

Claire Smith agreed to consider whether the powers included in the city wide PSPO for vehicle nuisance could be applied more broadly to tackle the anti-social use of motorcycles and electric bikes.

RESOLVED:

Members noted the contents of the report and reiterated their commitment to examine hate crime in more detail as a standalone item later in the municipal year.