Issue - meetings

This report provides the Panel with an interim update on the work of its Knife Crime Prevention Task Group.

The Chair introduced this report to the Panel and wished to thank all those that had taken part in the work of the Group so far. She stated that there was not a simple solution to this issue and that they have heard from a number of groups and parents that have been affected by this issue and that at times it had been emotionally challenging.

Councillor Paul Crossley said that in terms of next steps he would encourage talks with the relevant Cabinet Member to ensure that a budget is in place to take this work forward. He said that an analysis should be undertaken to understand the costs to society from the effects of knife crime re: NHS, Social Services, Police etc.

The Chair said that the budget would need to involve a wider discussion with other partners and organisations. She added that she could ask about research into the society costs as mentioned.

Councillor Joanna Wright said that she would support the points made by Councillor Crossley. She questioned whether young people are now too frightened to go out because of knife crime and what measures are in place to provide support to our young people affected by this issue.

The Chair said she would ask the Group to explore these points.

Kevin Burnett referred to the Terms of Reference and asked if it was felt that the Group had covered all these topics in their work to date.

The Chair said that the focus has been on considering opportunities for improving prevention of knife crime across Bath and North East Somerset.

Councillor Wright asked if County Lines was in any way attributable in this scenario.

The Chair she would ask for that to be addressed within their report. She also raised an area for the group to discuss regarding the number of young people involved in serious violence and knife crime and the above average number of pupils that have been permanently excluded from school, and that these young people are particularly at risk of such crimes.

The Director of Public Health suggested that the Panel receives the Serious Violence Action Plan and discusses it at a future meeting.

The Chair acknowledged that and said that the Task Group would also like to see the Action Plan.

The Panel RESOLVED to:

i)  Note the update and the recommendations they have made to help shape the future direction of the Task Group.