Agenda item

Report of the Strategic Director, Communities & Environment.

The Committee received a presentation with an update on Hate Crime. It was noted from the presentation that hate crimes are any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a personal characteristic.

It was said that individuals may be targeted because of their actual or perceived characteristics which includes disability, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation. A further summary of the types of hate incidents that occur was also provided.

An overview of national and regional facts was presented as follows:

·         In 2016/17, there were 80,393 hate offences recorded by the Police.

·         Increase of 29 per cent compared with 2015/16.

·         Year-on-year increases reported nationally, regionally and across Northumbria.

·         Gateshead has the third highest number of incidents in the Northumbria area.

Based on the above it was noted that an independent police and crime survey suggests that there is underreporting of hate crime. It was also suggested that the increase in figures is related to recent national and international terrorist attacks in addition to local incidents.

A breakdown of hate incidents reported in Gateshead was provided noting the following:

·         2016/17 – 384 hate incidents recorded on the ARCH case management system in Gateshead.

·         36% increase

o   324 Racist/Religious                   

o   31 Homophobic

o   22 Disability

o   7 Transphobic

An overview of Gateshead’s Hate Crime Strategy was provided highlighting that it was agreed at the Community Safety Board in April 2016 and has the following themes:

·         Report hate incidents – although there are funding barriers to reporting

·         Improving case management – such as support offered to victims of hate crime

·         Prevention through education – awareness sessions and group work

It was said that the systems used within Gateshead for reporting and monitoring hate crime are good. It was also noted that the hate crime and tension monitoring group who meet bi-monthly have created strong links for sharing best practise and information. Several examples of engagement with local communities was provided to illustrate the work being done between Gateshead Council, the Police and other agencies.

The Committee were advised of the future priorities to tackle hate crime, these included the development of the Workplace Hate Crime Champions role and the development of Community Hate Crime Champions. The following were also noted:

·         Potential for a further Northumbria Hate Crime Conference

·         Continuing to give schools in Gateshead access to Arch

·         Increase membership of the HCTMG

·         Increasing the number and use of Safe Reporting Centres

From the presentation an overview of ways to report hate crime was given to the Committee.

A question was asked whether Brexit was a factor in the increase in hate crimes – it was said that there is evidence to suggest this in addition to the recent major terror incidents in Manchester and London. It was further noted that a lot of hate crime is directed towards the Jewish community in Gateshead and work is ongoing to engage these communities to encourage them to report incidents.

It was asked which areas came out on top for hate crime figures – it was noted that Newcastle areas such as central Newcastle were top due to the greater population and cultural mix.

A discussion took place on the differences between political incorrectness and hate crime – it was distinguished that a hate crime is when an individual or group are singled out or targeted.

RESOLVED:

(i)            That the Committee note the contents of the report and presentation.

(ii)           That the Committee agree to receive further updates at future meetings.