Agenda item

To note the BCP Community Safety Annual Report which was presented to Overview and Scrutiny Board on 23 February 2026.

This paper sets out elements of development and delivery by ‘Safer BCP’, the BCP Community Safety Partnership (CSP), and its constituent agencies.

The Head of Communities, Safety and Partnerships presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'B' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The purpose of the Report was to note the BCP Community Safety Annual Report which was presented to Overview and Scrutiny Board on 23 February 2026.

The paper set out elements of development and delivery by ‘Safer BCP’, the BCP Community Safety Partnership (CSP), and its constituent agencies. It provided Members with an update since the last report to Overview and Scrutiny Board in January 2025.

The Local Government Act 2000 included crime and disorder scrutiny as one of the functions the council must ensure its scrutiny arrangements cover. Sections 19 and 20 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and related regulations required the Council to have a committee with the functions of reviewing and scrutinising decisions and actions in respect of the discharge of crime and disorder functions by “responsible authorities”.

The specifics of the duty were set out in the Police and Justice Act 2006, which also allowed members to refer any “local crime and disorder matter” raised with them by anyone living or working in their area, to the Crime and Disorder Committee. The Board designated as the Crime and Disorder Scrutiny Committee must meet at least once every 12-month period to conduct the functions.

Guidance issued concerning how this role should be conducted include that:

• the role should be one of a critical friend, providing constructive challenge at a strategic level.

• the focus should be on the entire partnership and if issues arise that related specifically to a particular partner agency, it may be more appropriate to refer such issues to the governing bodies of that organisation.

• the scrutiny of partners should be “in so far as their activities relate to the partnership itself.”

In the BCP area, the Overview and Scrutiny Board undertake this function each year.

The Board discussed the report, including:

·       The Chair thanked officers for the comprehensive update on the Community Safety Partnership.

·       It was noted that the Community Safety Partnership team had received an award for its work.

·       The Board recognised downward trends in antisocial behaviour but acknowledged challenges around reporting and public perception.

·       The Board discussed cuckooing trends, noting unexpected age groups affected and wider safeguarding concerns.

·       The Board was advised that domestic abuse funding remained at previous levels, amounting to a real-term reduction.

·       It was noted that serious violence funding was being redirected nationally toward knife crime, which did not align with local priorities such as violence against women and girls.

·       Raised concern that current funding streams did not support key local initiatives including night-time economy safety work and the 'Just Don’t' campaign.

·       A Board Member suggested including case studies in future reports to better demonstrate real-life impact.

·       The Chair highlighted that fear of crime remained significantly higher than actual crime levels, impacting quality of life for some residents.

·       The Board discussed the need for improved communications and a whole-system approach involving partners to promote positive safety messages.

·       The Board discussed the need to explore opportunities to integrate community safety considerations into neighbourhood plans and the broader health and wellbeing work.

·       The Board recognised the importance of national best practice examples, including the adoption of the 'Just Don’t' campaign.

·       Officers emphasised the role of multiple partners, including the voluntary sector, in delivering community safety outcomes.

RESOLVED that the Health and Wellbeing Board:

a.    note the progress of the Community Safety Partnership during 2025;

b.    note the compliance of the BCP Community Safety Partnership as set out in the relevant legislation.

Voting: Nem. Con.