Tourism, Equalities,                              Agenda Item 62

Communities, & Culture

Committee     

Subject:		Community Safety and Crime Reduction Strategy 2023-2026
Date of Meeting:		March 2023
Report of:		Executive Director Housing, Neighbourhoods and Communities
Contact Officer:	Name:	Jo Player	Tel:	01273 292488
	Email:	Jo.player@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Ward(s) affected:		All

FOR GENERAL RELEASE

1.         PURPOSE OF REPORT AND POLICY CONTEXT

1.1 The committee is asked to consider the attached Draft Community Safety Strategy for 2023-2026. Appendix 1

2.         RECOMMENDATIONS:    

2.1 That the committee approves the strategy and the suggested priority areas for reducing crime and disorder in Brighton and Hove.

2.2 That the committee refers the strategy to full council for sign off as set out in the Constitution

2.3 That committee approves the additional consultations as set out in paragraph 5.5

3. CONTEXT/ BACKGROUND INFORMATION

3.1 The Community Safety and Crime Reduction Strategy 2023-26 sets out the Brighton and Hove Community Safety Partnership’s plans to address crime and disorder in the city. This is a statutory requirement under the 1998 Crime and Disorder Act. The full strategy is appended to this report.

3.2 The strategy is informed by a strategic assessment of all crime and disorder in the city with analysis and recommendations. This was shared at a stakeholder event in October 2022 and is being updated to reflect some amended data. However this amendment does not affect the priorities identified.

3.3 Priorities have been selected where the partnership can make the most impact. This is a partnership strategy and so priorities are focussed on areas where working in collaboration is fundamental to achieving progress. It prioritises work where added value is achieved by working in partnership.

3.4 The strategy includes an overview of the demography of the city and the nature and impact of crime and disorder.

3.5 The strategy also describes how priorities were identified and will be progressed.

3.6 The priorities are:

· Anti-social behaviour and hate incidents

· Serious Violence and Exploitation

· Domestic violence and abuse, sexual violence and other forms violence against women and girls

· Preventing terrorism and extremism

4. ANALYSIS & CONSIDERATION OF ANY ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS

4.1 The Strategic Assessment document outlines the issues for Brighton and Hove in relation to crime and disorder and made appropriate recommendations which informed the strategy

5. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & CONSULTATION

5.1 A consultation event was held with partners including statutory, community and voluntary sector organisations in October 2022, this event considered the findings of the Strategic Assessment and broadly agreed priority areas to address

5.2 The draft strategy has been shared directly with Local Action teams, communities of interest and other interested bodies.

5.3 The draft strategy is being shared with this committee to seek views and approval.

5.4 Finally the draft strategy has been subject to public consultation through the consultation portal on the council website. There was broad approval for the priorities for the strategy. Amendments to the initial draft strategy have been incorporated into the final draft presented today, following that feedback. An analysis of the consultation along with a synopsis of comments received  from the portal is attached at Appendix 2.

5.5 Consultation will start during the year regarding Public Space Protection Orders in relation to existing gating PSPOs, the alcohol PSPO and the dog control PSPOs. These are due to lapse in October 2023 and there is a statutory requirement that we consult on these to see if they are extended. A report will come to this committee once the consultation has been concluded. A further consultation will also start regarding a new gating PSPO in Nelson’s Row. Again a report will come to TECC following that consultation.

6.         CONCLUSION

6.1 Action plans are being drawn up for each priority area and progress will be monitored through the Community Safety Partnership Board and with regular reports on performance to this committee.  

7.         FINANCIAL & OTHER IMPLICATIONS:

Financial Implications:

7.1 The costs associated with the publishing of the Community Safety Strategy are met from within the Community Safety Budget for 2023/24.

            Finance Officer Consulted:             Michael Bentley                        Date: 21/02/2023

Legal Implications:

7.2       There is a statutory requirement for this strategy, as set out at 3.1 above. The   consultation requirements are met.

            Lawyer Consulted: Joanne Dunyaglo                                          Date:22/2/23

Equalities Implications:

7.3       An Equality Impact assessment will be undertaken, equality implications are referenced throughout the strategy.

Sustainability Implications:

7.4.1 There are no sustainability implications relating to this report.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Appendices:

Appendix 1

Community Safety and Crime Reduction Strategy

Appendix 2

Consultation analysis