Agenda item

Submitted by the Head of Housing Services - a report by the Community Safety Senior Operational Officer for Anglesey and Gwynedd on the Community Safety Partnership’s activities during 2019/20.

The Council Leader reported that the Partnership is a statutory partnership between Anglesey and Gwynedd.  She reminded the Committee of the  financial cutbacks the Partnership has encountered.  She stated that the community safety structures are now set regionally, and efforts are being made        to ensure that no duplication occurs.  Workshops were held with housing officers to address this issue, and move forward within the Partnership.

The Head of Housing Services reported that a statutory partnership has existed between Anglesey and Gwynedd for 22 years.  The Partnership’s commitment and engagement is evident through full attendances at meetings.  He stated that although the Partnership has lost several grants and local co-

ordinator posts, the work continues to move forward. 

The Partnership is working towards the following priorities:-

·      Reducing victim based crimes;

·      Reducing anti-social behaviour;

·      Supporting vulnerable people to prevent them becoming victims of crime;

·      Raising confidence to report incidents of domestic abuse;

·      Raising confidence to report sexual abuse;

·      Addressing substance misuse in the area;

·      Reducing re-offending.

It was noted that the Home Office compares and measures crimes by demographic regions, and results are presented to the Partnership every quarter.  During lockdown, figures were presented to the Partnership every 2-3 weeks in order to ensure the availability of current information.

It was further noted that crimes reported to the Police across North Wales were down 29%, and 24.6% in Anglesey and Gwynedd between March and May this year.  Increases in crimes were reported during June and July, and by September, the number of offences committed were similar to previous years. Increases in crimes were recorded in stalking and harassment, and hate crime, the latter resulting in verbal abuse.

The Head of Housing Services reported that the Partnership is looking into preparing an awareness campaign for social media platforms.  He stated that the main challenges we face today are changes in criminality in our communities. Crime is now far reaching and complex, and technology isenabling a level of exploitative crime.  Increases in domestic abuse have been   reported, as well as two homicides over the past year.

It was highlighted that the needs of homeless citizens were given priority during the lockdown period, resulting in an increase in the number of meetings held between the Housing Department and Social Services Department. 

Discussion focused on the following:-

·           A question was raised on how the statutory Partnership is supporting and

contributing to the effectiveness of the Partnership?  The Head of Housing Services responded that the Partnership’s commitment is robust, and excellent joint working is taking place within the Partnership. This is evident in financial applications that the Council has submitted recently, as well as in responses received to anti-social matters. 

·      Concerns were raised as to whether progress has been made in combating County Lines.  The Head of Housing Services responded that the Partnership is utilising structures that are in place, and sharing intelligence  to prevent crimes.  It was noted that weekly meetings are being held between the Partnership and the Police.

·      Reference was made to the increasing problem of knife crimes.  The Head of Housing Services reported that the Council is keen to work in partnership with the Police and utilise the powers of the Police and Crime Act 2006.  It was noted that currently, there are no statistics available on knife crimes, but the general number of crimes are stable.

·      Clarity was sought regarding the increase in crimes committed by phone and online fraud.  The Head of Housing Services responded that the Partnership is using technology to draw attention to such crimes, and the ease of committing these crimes from afar.  It was noted that the Council’s Trading Standards have identified and raised awareness of cyber crime, which has been shared with the Partnership.

·      A question was raised whether there has been a need to change the Partnership’s priorities over recent months?  The Head of Housing Services responded that when the priorities were set, no one knew the impact Covid-19 would have, and the Partnership has had to adapt its way of working. The Partnership has prioritised and dealt with situations as they arose during lockdown, and convened workshops to discuss important issues.  The Deputy Chief Executive responded that the Partnership has used data from the Police and information from behind closed doors eg; violence in the home.  He stated that through the Partnership, resources from both authorities and the Police have been brought together to respond to the challenges that exist, because the need has increased.  The focus has changed due to the nature of the crimes, and has been adapted due to Covid-19.

·           Concerns were raised in relation to an increase in anti-social behaviour

committed by younger, primary school age children since lockdown.  It was noted that people have become reluctant to report such crimes to the Police, due to the fear of reprisals.  The Director of Education,

  Skills and Young People responded by stating that it is important to move forward and raise awareness in schools.  It was noted that officers work with and target specific children, and teachers promote good behaviour.

·           A question was raised as to whether tensions during lockdown with visitors to the area have been monitored and acted upon?  The Head of Housing Services responded that in the early stages of lockdown, meetings were held between the Council and Police to deals with tensions, where a number of anti-social matters were raised and local Councils responded.  He stated that the way forward is to recognise tensions early, and act upon each situation before it becomes an issue.  By experiencing lockdown, there are now procedures in place to deal with problems as they arise, and arrangement are in place to hold regular meetings.

·           Clarity was sought on the current situation regarding food banks.  The Head of Housing Services responded that during lockdown there were four food banks in operation across the island, namely Holyhead, Llangefni, Amlwch and Menai Bridge.  He stated that the food bank in Menai Bridge has now closed, and the remaining three food banks service the whole Island.  It was noted that at present the situation is very stable, with sufficient food supplies and funds in reserve, should we encounter a second wave of Covid-19.

·                A question was raised on the financial implications of Covid-19 on the   Partnership.  The Head of Housing Services responded that he

did not have the financial details at hand, but would look into the situation.   

          RESOLVED:-

·        To note the contents of the report and attachments.

·     To support the priorities and future direction of the work.

·        The Head of Housing Services to look into the Partnership’s current

              financial situation and report back to the Committee in due course.