To consider for adoption the South and East Lincolnshire Community Safety Strategy 2022-2025.

a)    That the contents of the report and the work of partners in addressing crime and disorder in South and East Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire as a whole be noted;

b)    That the Community Safety Strategy and identified priorities for the SELCSP for the period 2022-25 be adopted for consideration for endorsement by Full Council;

c)     That agreement be given by Executive Board to provide delegated authority for the Deputy Chief Executive (Communities) to finalise with the relevant Portfolio Holders a programme for the development of a Community Safety Action Plan subject to the Community Safety Strategy and its associated priorities being agreed at Full Council.

A report was presented that set out the duties placed on local authorities and other named statutory agencies in relation to crime and disorder (Sections 5-7 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998).  The report outlined the current Community Safety Partnership (CSP) arrangements across the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (S&ELCP), and in Lincolnshire as a whole. 

A Community Safety Strategy (CSP) had been produced to demonstrate the work of the South and East Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership (SELCSP) which was working collaboratively with the County Safer Lincolnshire Partnership (SLP), to address crime and disorder at a local, sub-regional and County level.  Executive Board was asked to support a recommendation to adopt the strategy for the period April 2022 to March 2025.

Background details to the CSPs were detailed within paragraphs 1.1 to 2.2 of the report presented.  Paragraph 2.2 of the report detailed the responsibilities of authorities in implementing a strategy as:

·       reduction of crime and disorder in the area (including anti-social and other behaviour adversely affecting the local environment);

·       combatting the misuse of drugs, alcohol, and other substances in the area;

·       the reduction of re-offending in the area;

·       a new duty to formulate and implement a strategy for preventing people from becoming involved in serious violence and reducing instances of serious violence in the area.

Other statutory duties that must be fulfilled by CSPs were detailed at paragraph 2.3 of the report as:

·       Setting up protocols and systems for information sharing;

·       Regular consultation with the public on community safety priorities;

·       Commissioning of Domestic Homicide Reviews;

·       Convening one or more public meetings per year.

It was highlighted that working in partnership at sub-region and county level enabled the District Councils to discharge their statutory duties.  The benefits of a Community Safety Strategy were highlighted as enabling the partnership to communicate its priorities and aspirations for keeping communities safe.  Furthermore, it provided reputational benefits to the S&ELP as a driver to tackle crime and disorder and to support delivery against statutory community safety responsibilities.

During discussion the Portfolio Holder for Planning referred to the public consultation included at Appendix A to the report presented in terms of the residents of East Lindsey considering the district a safe place to live, which compared favourably with other places in Lincolnshire and was something that the recommendations would build on.

The Portfolio Holder for Partnerships wished to express his thanks to officers for their work.  The Community Safety Manager highlighted the Action Plan behind the strategy which would be scrutinised at partnership level and provide necessary feedback. 

RESOLVED

a)    That the contents of the report and the work of partners in addressing crime and disorder in South and East Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire as a whole be noted;

b)    That the Community Safety Strategy and identified priorities for the SELCSP for the period 2022-25 be adopted for consideration for endorsement by Full Council;

c)   That agreement be given by Executive Board to provide delegated authority for the Deputy Chief Executive (Communities) to finalise with the relevant Portfolio Holders a programme for the development of a Community Safety Action Plan subject to the Community Safety Strategy and its associated priorities being agreed at Full Council.

Reasons:

To demonstrate and confirm the commitment of the South and East Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership in working with the Safer Lincolnshire Partnership (SLP) to meet the statutory duties set out in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and address crime and disorder at a local level.

Options:

Continue to operate the SELCSP without producing a formal plan, at the expense of recognising the work undertaken locally to address crime and disorder across the S&ELCP.