Agenda item

Report of the Director of Public Health

The Committee received a report providing an overview of key activities that have been coordinated on behalf of the Gateshead Community Safety Board since September 2023 to tackle the strategic priorities outlined within the Partnership Plan 2023/24.

A summary of the strategic themes/priorities agreed by the Community Safety Board for 2023/24 was provided, these were:

·         Tackling serious violence

·         Thriving communities

·         Protecting people from harm

·         Strengthening governance and accountability arrangements

From the report, the Committee were also provided with crime and disorder performance data in Gateshead for the period of April 2023 – December 2023. It was noted that recorded crime in Gateshead had increased by 4% which is lower than the 5% increase experienced across Northumbria.

The Committee received additional information and context on activities undertaken to address the strategic themes and priorities. Additional details were also provided on how the priorities are being achieved via strategic means i.e. via the Hate Crime Strategy and also Locality Working.

A comment was made noting the positive impact on crime due to Locality Working within the south of the borough; it was highlighted that Locality Coordinators had also consulted with ward members on activities and schemes and had set up successful community-based events. The Committee were reminded that Locality Working is to be rolled out across the borough and that a joint approach was being taken between the Council, the voluntary sector, local businesses and other partners.

A query was raised in relation to the impact of Safer Streets Funding and its effect on anti-social behaviour (ASB). Officers advised that a collaborative approach with Northumbria Police and mental health services had been taken on this to address low-level ASB. The Committee acknowledged that ASB was still a prevalent issue for residents in Gateshead and noted that many residents do not report ASB due to fear of the repercussions from perpetrators.

A discussion took place on the Council’s approach to preventing radicalisation within the communities of Gateshead. It was noted that the Council provides training to frontline staff involved with vulnerable groups e.g. social workers and that regular contact is maintained with partners, schools and Northumbria Police and that information is shared where necessary. The Committee were also reminded of the Council’s approach to ‘Prevent’ and the channels that cases go through when brought to the attention of staff.

Concern was noted from the Committee on the levels of youth disorder in Dunston; officers advised that a joint bid was being prepared with voluntary and community sector partners to secure funding for ‘hardening resources’ in this area so that residents can be given items to make them feel safer, this includes outdoor lighting and video-doorbells for their homes.

A further query was raised in relation to the support that is being offered to victims of crime and disorder; officers advised that they would provide a response to this specific query outside of the meeting.

RESOLVED:

(i)            The Committee noted the contents of the report.

(ii)           The Committee agreed to receive six-monthly Community Safety Updates.