Agenda item

This Council notes that the Managed Approach in Holbeck continues to be deeply controversial with local communities and businesses, with a number of protest groups having voiced their concerns.

Whilst the Independent Review into its future concluded that the Approach should continue with changes, Council is concerned that only a small fraction of the residents and businesses in the area had their views recorded in the survey, and Council notes that the Review itself conceded that the findings could not be taken as representative of the people of Holbeck. Crucially, Council remains concerned that no action appears to have been taken to address child safeguarding concerns raised by schools in the area.

Given the significant and demonstrable deficit in local engagement, Council is not satisfied that the recommendation to continue with the Managed Approach is based on a sound understanding of the impact on the local community and their concerns. Council calls on the administration to bring forward detailed plans for how it can listen and engage with local communities about the future of the Managed Approach.

In order to be in a position to respond to concerns about the Managed Approach, Council requests that a regular report is brought to Executive Board which should include updates on: the support available for the women; community feedback; Police input; and options for both reducing the size of the area and considering an “exit strategy” from the Managed Approach policy entirely.

It was moved by Councillor Amanda Carter, seconded by Councillor Robinson  that  this Council notes that the Managed Approach in Holbeck continues to be deeply controversial with local communities and businesses, with a number of protest groups having voiced their concerns.

Whilst the Independent Review into its future concluded that the Approach should continue with changes, Council is concerned that only a small fraction of the residents and businesses in the area had their views recorded in the survey, and Council notes that the Review itself conceded that the findings could not be taken as representative of the people of Holbeck. Crucially, Council remains concerned that no action appears to have been taken to address child safeguarding concerns raised by schools in the area.

Given the significant and demonstrable deficit in local engagement, Council is not satisfied that the recommendation to continue with the Managed Approach is based on a sound understanding of the impact on the local community and their concerns. Council calls on the administration to bring forward detailed plans for how it can listen and engage with local communities about the future of the Managed Approach.

In order to be in a position to respond to concerns about the Managed Approach, Council requests that a regular report is brought to Executive Board which should include updates on: the support available for the women; community feedback; Police input; and options for both reducing the size of the area and considering an “exit strategy” from the Managed Approach policy entirely.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Coupar, seconded by Councillor Scopes

Delete all and replace with:

“Council welcomes the independent report in to the Managed approach and notes the finding that the Managed Approach was viewed as an essential factor in better engaging with street sex workers to improve their safety and health. 

Council further notes the Managed Approach is not a permanent solution to on street sex work and continues to evolve to ensure any impact on local residents is reduced and sex workers are kept as safe as possible.  

Council also welcomes the improved Communication and co-operation between Holbeck residents and those governing the management of the Managed approach. However council notes there is more work to do and remains committed to carrying out further work to improve communication and co-operation in line with approved recommendations in the independent report. In addition the Council has committed to considering the findings of the ‘Listening Well’ report when it is finalised.

Council acknowledges there are varied and wide ranging views regarding on street sex working and Council remains committed to building on the positive work highlighted in the independent review and continuing to listen, learn and engage with all stakeholders and the wider community of Holbeck.”

The amendment in the name of Councillor Coupar was declared carried and upon being put to the vote it was

RESOLVED – That Council welcomes the independent report in to the Managed approach and notes the finding that the Managed Approach was viewed as an essential factor in better engaging with street sex workers to improve their safety and health. 

Council further notes the Managed Approach is not a permanent solution to on street sex work and continues to evolve to ensure any impact on local residents is reduced and sex workers are kept as safe as possible.  

Council also welcomes the improved Communication and co-operation between Holbeck residents and those governing the management of the Managed approach. However council notes there is more work to do and remains committed to carrying out further work to improve communication and co-operation in line with approved recommendations in the independent report. In addition the Council has committed to considering the findings of the ‘Listening Well’ report when it is finalised.

Council acknowledges there are varied and wide ranging views regarding on street sex working and Council remains committed to building on the positive work highlighted in the independent review and continuing to listen, learn and engage with all stakeholders and the wider community of Holbeck.”