Agenda item

Councillor Jogee, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Cohesion, introduced the item and highlighted the importance and collaborative development involved in the production of the strategy with its various stakeholders. He thanked individuals involved in the process and noted the significant community engagement, with over 1000 locals who had participated. Councillor Jogee emphasised the joint endorsement of the strategy by the police and outlined its key themes and objectives. He mentioned that while the Hate Crime strategy did not require full council approval, it would be presented to the full council to note.

The following points were noted in the discussion:

• Councillor Ali welcomed the strategy but raised concerns about boosting reporting in communities with low engagement. He highlighted successful initiatives in the Jewish community regarding reporting issues with antisemitism and urged similar strategies elsewhere. Seeking clarity on plans, Councillor Jogee emphasised councillors' role in advocating reporting and ongoing efforts to enhance effectiveness. He underscored the strategy's adaptability and the importance of reporting in securing funds and challenging stereotypes and affirmed a commitment to address issues ahead.
• Councillor Ali expressed concerns about unequal treatment of hate crimes by police sections and stressed the need to build confidence in reporting. Councillor Jogee emphasised the council's role as a critical friend to the police and advocated for open engagement. He noted the alignment between councillors' concerns and earlier discussions which would inform plans in the future.
• Councillor Gina Adamou inquired about monitoring the report's progress and potential to revisit or make amendments. Joe Benmore, Integrated Lead for Offender Management, stated that there would be an annually reviewed action plan following the report at the Community Safety Partnership Board.
• The Chair inquired about police visibility and effectiveness in addressing recurring crime in hotspot areas. Councillor Jogee emphasised community leaders' role in informing and holding the police accountable. Council officers' communication role was noted, along with the need for adequate police resources and the new Metropolitan Police plan to restore neighbourhood policing. Ultimately, the police were responsible for addressing crime and the Council had a role in engagement and information sharing.
• The Chair inquired about measures in place to ensure the police were held to account in the implementation of the new Metropolitan Police plan for London in response to the Baroness Casey Review. Councillor Jogee responded and highlighted the role of the Police as critical friends to the Council and highlighted the importance in communication of the council priorities and resident concerns. There was an emphasis on the need for open dialogue, addressing frustrations, and collaborating with various agencies to tackle challenges effectively. Ultimately, ensuring their voices are heard in discussions and building necessary links and communications.
• The Chair asked about the outreach strategy to ensure proactive engagement with marginalised communities beyond just Community Safety. In response, Councillor Jogee praised the inclusivity of the consultation process, directing attention to the feedback report for specifics. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of providing multiple opportunities for councillors to contribute.
• Councillor Dunstall inquired about trust and confidence in the police and council, and highlighted impacts across various areas. Councillor Jogee responded that trust and confidence are frequently discussed issues, particularly concerning community diversity and safety. The Metropolitan Police Commissioner's plan to restore neighbourhood policing, aimed to strengthen trust. It was emphasised that the community safety and hate crime strategy aims to provide a framework for addressing these concerns rather than providing direct answers.
• Ian Sygrave raised concerns about the uncertainty residents face in reporting incidents and the lack of clarity on the best reporting methods. The importance of clear guidelines to ensure all incidents are recorded effectively was also emphasised. Councillor Jogee acknowledged the issue of underreporting and highlighted the strategy's framework as a solution to address reporting challenges.
• Councillor Ali inquired about the focus on third-party reporting going forward and suggested the establishment of centres in trusted community locations. Councillor Jogee indicated that this would be taken further with the team to develop a structure for community input on this aspect.
  
  

ACTIONS:

Circulate The feedback report for the draft community safety strategy and hate crime strategy which includes table A.

RESOLVED:

The Climate, Community Safety and Culture Panel resolved:

1. That the Scrutiny Board note the content of the accompanying presentation, which highlights the key findings from the Community Safety and Hate Crime Public engagement and consultation that took place in 2023.

2. That the Board note the next steps including Cabinet Approval to take the Community Safety Strategy to Full Council for approval in March 2024.