Agenda item

This draft joint Community Safety Plan sets out the joint community safety work to be carried out in Bath and North East Somerset by the Community Safety Partnership and Police and Crime Commissioner over the next three years. It reflects the outcomes of the recent Council Scrutiny Inquiry Day on Community Safety, which identified in particular the benefits of partnership working and recommended that such a joint plan be progressed.  The Plan addresses key issues relating to crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour in Bath and North East Somerset.

Councillor Richard Samuel made an ad-hoc statement where he said that the Joint Community Safety Plan lacked visible targets on how the crime would be reduced in Bath and North East Somerset.  Councillor Samuel also said that he had huge respect for Council officers and Police, who were doing their best to reduce the crime, though that would seem to be difficult task down to reduced funding from the central Government.  Councillor Samuel felt that Avon and Somerset Police, and Local Authority, have not considered in detail potential implications on increased crime in the area.  Councillor Samuel concluded his statement by saying that the Plan has had some good areas of work though he had no confidence that much would be achieved in terms of crime reduction.

Councillor Dine Romero made an ad-hoc statement where she also felt a lack of confidence that the Plan would achieve much in terms of the crime reduction in the area.  Councillor Romero mentioned a campaign by the Liberal Democrats Group to open a Police station in Bath, which would not only be used by the Police but also for joined up working between different agencies.  Councillor Romero asked the Cabinet if they felt that there should be more substance in the Plan.

Councillor Bob Goodman introduced the report by saying that he has chaired the Responsible Authorities Group (RAG), which meets quarterly with a number of agencies involved, and that RAG have achieved progress in some areas.  The Avon and Somerset Police have worked closely with the Council on production of the Joint Community Safety Plan which had three main themes: protect the most vulnerable from harm; strengthen local communities for improved outcomes; and, continue active work with the Avon and Somerset Police.  The Plan as such was a magnificent milestone as it was the first document of that kind since 2012.  Councillor Goodman also said that there was comparable low crime rate in Bath and North East Somerset area although he was concerned with an upturn in drug dealing.  Councillor Goodman expressed his concern that the Police and Crime Commissioner funding would last until year 2020 though the Plan was set until year 2021, which could present a risk in the future.  Councillor Goodman concluded his introduction by thanking Samantha Jones for her hard work on putting the Plan together.

Councillor Bob Goodman moved the recommendations.

Councillor Mark Shelford seconded the motion by saying that this was an important paper which has received a support from the Police.  Councillor Shelford also said that he would welcome Police presence on the streets and not just by having a Police station.  Councillor Shelford welcomed that Police have been using bodycams when dealing with the perpetrators.

Councillor Paul May also welcomed the Plan and praised the joint working between the Youth Offending Team and the Police.  Councillor May stressed importance of joined up work with other agencies in terms of crime reduction.

Councillor Vic Pritchard commented that crime figures for Bath and North East Somerset were lower than anywhere else in the country, and highlighted the importance of working together with other agencies on bringing the crime figures down.

Councillor Charles Gerrish commented that the Police were resolving the anti-social behaviour in Keynsham. Councillor Gerrish also said that victims of the crime should be involved by working with relevant agencies.  Councillor Gerrish concluded his statement by saying that quite often some issues get inflated by social media.

RESOLVED (unanimously) that the Cabinet agreed the Joint Plan and recommend it to full Council for adoption.