Issue - meetings

The Safer Buckinghamshire Plan 2020-23 was approved by the Safer Buckinghamshire Board (SBB) in July 2020, with the aim that Buckinghamshire continued to be one of the safest places to grow up, raise a family, live, work and do business.  The Plan set out the five priorities explaining how, through working in partnership, it would reduce crime and disorder and protect vulnerable people in Buckinghamshire.

The annual report provided an overview of the Partnership and SBB activity and impact during 2021/22.  It covered a demanding time for the Partnership, following a review of the SBB processes and Delivery Plans, the introduction of Priority Sponsors, and a restructure within the Council’s Community Safety Team.

RESOLVED –

That the Safer Buckinghamshire Board Annual Report, which provides an update on the activities and outcomes of the Community Safety Partnership in Buckinghamshire during 2021/22, be NOTED.

The Safer Buckinghamshire Plan 2020-23 was approved by the Safer Buckinghamshire Board (SBB) in July 2020, with the aim that Buckinghamshire continued to be one of the safest places to grow up, raise a family, live, work and do business.  The Plan set out the five priorities explaining how, through working in partnership, it would reduce crime and disorder and protect vulnerable people in Buckinghamshire.

The annual report provided an overview of the Partnership and SBB activity and impact during 2021/22.  It covered a demanding time for the Partnership, following a review of the SBB processes and Delivery Plans, the introduction of Priority Sponsors, and a restructure within the Council’s Community Safety Team.

There has been a general upward trend in reports of serious violence which was believed to be mainly due to increased reporting of sexual offences which had been reflected nationally. There was a drive to record and take positive action around this type of offence and recording standards have changed.

The Street Warden team have dealt with over 1600 incidents, including shoplifting, begging, emergency first aid and supporting vulnerable people within High Wycombe and Aylesbury town centres.

During discussion the following points were noted:-

·         Cabinet Members welcomed the establishment of a Violence against Women and Girls sub group and multi-agency action plan and also welcomed the work of the street wardens who were particularly helpful when dealing with rough sleepers and street drinkers.

·         Concern was raised about online fraud and considerable work was being undertaken by the police and the trading standards team to highlight scams. The Team particularly focussed on protecting older people and installing equipment such as phone blockers.

·         The Prevent Team continued to work with Wycombe Youth Action who specialise in working with vulnerable young people, who often fell within the category of Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEETs). A question was asked about who could be referred into the service and it was noted that anyone could be referred. This could be done through the community safety helpline and email address. There were specific telephone numbers for different areas such as domestic abuse or modern slavery. Community Boards also undertook work locally on community safety issues and promoting awareness.

·         Since April 2021, 26 volunteer mentors have been trained to offer support to young people, as part of the YOS BAME mentoring project. Each incident was recorded and reviewed and support was provided to the mentors. A new IT system had also been installed.

·         Funding was provided through the Police and Crime Commissioners budget for three years. Some funding for projects were guaranteed for three years e.g. Youth Offending Service, whereas other projects could be funded for one year. There were other funding streams such as Heart of Bucks and the Rothschild Foundation.

RESOLVED –

That the Safer Buckinghamshire Board Annual Report, which provides an update on the activities and outcomes of the Community Safety Partnership in Buckinghamshire during 2021/22, be NOTED.