The report invites Members to consider two priorities and one knowledge gap identified through the Community Safety Partnership Strategic Assessment. The priorities have been recommended by the Community Safety Partnership Executive and are subject to Member consultation.

The Community Safety Strategy Officer highlighted the two year priorities of the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) which included ending exploitation and tackling domestic and sexual abuse, along with addressing the knowledge gap in relation to the prevalence and impact of substance misuse. Members were advised that a PAN Bedfordshire strategy between Central Bedfordshire Council and Bedford and Luton Borough Councils would be initiated in March 2021 in order that a more coordinated approach be adopted. Members were advised that sexual abuse reporting had decreased which required further analysis as did the reporting of cybercrime and that cases of unauthorised encampments (UAE) across Central Bedfordshire had increased during 2017.

In light of the report Members discussed the following in summary:-

·         That the outcomes appeared ambitious with no clear action detailed in relation to how they would be achieved, along with concerns around measures to address substance misuse.

·         That despite rebranding and recent communications via social media, residents were largely unaware of the existence and work of the CSP.

·         That the results of a recent consultation did not correlate with the priorities of the CSP and resident’s primary concerns were in relation to burglary, anti-social behaviour (ASB) and crime. In response Members were advised that crime would be dealt with as ‘business as usual’ with the identified priorities helping to address the underlying causes of those crimes, in particular County Lines, ‘cuckooing’ properties and ASB in young people living with domestic abuse.

·         The importance of the CSP not being seen as a ‘talking shop’ and that tangible outcomes must be evidenced.

·         That particular villages were considering the need for private security or policing arrangements which should not be deemed necessary due to the Police and Crime Commissioner’s pledge to reinforce community policing.

·         That the CSP would also be working with the Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) in order to support those experiencing domestic abuse.

RECOMMENDED that the Committee support the two Community Safety Partnership Strategic Assessment Priorities and one ‘Knowledge Gap’ identified for Central Bedfordshire for 2019-2021.