Agenda item

Report of Senior Head of Community.

The committee considered the report of the Senior Head of Community, detailing the current performance of the Eastbourne Community Partnership (ECSP) under the updated Eastbourne Community Safety Plan.  The report outlined issues that could potentially impact future crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) performance.

Cabinet had previously endorsed the successful Crime Reduction performance of the Partnership.  In 2005/2006 Eastbourne was subject to around 11,000 crimes.  For the performance year 2010/2011 this had dropped to approximately 7,500 crimesand to the end of June 2014, this had reduced to around 5,700 crimes, a further reduction of 5% compared with the same period last year.

Members were advised that the current Plan had been developed in consultation with key partners including the Police and other members of the ECSP.  Version 1.2 was available as Appendix A to the report. 

It was now established that the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) had direct control in determining budget allocation to local ECSPs commencing in the 2014/2015 financial year.  Eastbourne CSP was working with the East Sussex Community Safety Partnership to highlight the positive benefits for the PCC to retain and increase investment in ECSP activity.  Without additional funding next year from the PCC the ECSP’s ability to fund worthwhile local community safety projects may be compromised.  The PCC’s allocation this financial year was increased by £10k to £26.5k.

Overall crime had substantially reduced since 2005/2006 performance year.  Notable crime reductions had again been achieved in the performance year 2013/2014 and crime performance was again positive within measured criteria of the updated plan in the current performance year to date. 'Central Government budgetary restrictions coupled with the introduction of Police and Crime Commissioners may have an adverse impact on local ECSP funding in financial year 2015/2016.   Further potential countywide changes as a result of a newly ‘elected PCC’ had been mitigated by a continued local focus in addition to adding value in developing initiatives, including Neighbourhood Management.  ECSP was working closely with the office of the PCC to implement the new ASB legislation. Members were advised that the ASB Crime and Policing Act 2014 would come into operation in October 2014.  The Act was designed to simplify ASB powers and tools to make implementation of the tactics more timely and effective.  Partners re working together to share best practice and consistency of use and the ECSP was working closely with the office of the PCC to ensure best use of Community Trigger and Community Remedy.  A briefing paper on the subject as Appendix B to the report. A Member Seminar on the subject had been scheduled for 22 September 2014.

The Committee discussed the figures for Road Accidents, Safeguarding Children with particular reference to child exploitation, and funding for the Women’s Refuges across the County.  In addition the committee discussed the work of the ECSP in relation to diversionary activities for the younger generation in Eastbourne.  The Chairman requested that the Safeguarding training provided for Council staff be extended to Members.

Scrutiny committee was requested to note the continued Crime Reduction performance, endorse the updated 2014/2017 Community Safety Plan and continue the delegated authority to the Senior Head of Community to implement actions set out.

NOTED.