To inform Cabinet that the Strategy Group of the Herefordshire Community Safety and Drugs Partnership (HCSDP) has approved the Partnership Plan (2008-2011).

To request that Cabinet considers the contents and adopts the plan.

Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Community Services introduced the item and welcomed the Chairman of the Partnership, Mr Geoff Hughes, Director of Regeneration, Regional Divisional Commander Mark Turner who was attending in his capacity as Deputy Chairman of Herefordshire Community Safety and Drugs Partnership and Jane Rose Partnership Manager.  The Cabinet Member advised that he represented Members of Herefordshire Council on the Partnership and that the development of the strategy had been undertaken by all Partners.  It was explained that the three year Plan encompassed both the merged Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and Drugs Action Team and set out how the five broad priorities identified would be addressed.  The Plan outlined the role of each partner and their contributions to delivering upon the agreed objectives.  Wide consultation had been undertaken which included a variety of methods including, interviews, focus groups and surveys. 

Mr Geoff Hughes, Chairman of the Partnership advised Cabinet that this was the first time that the collective organisations which made up the Partnership had undertaken a strategic assessment and produced such a plan, which it was hoped would be an important element to help deliver the Local Area Assessment targets.

Divisional Commander Mark Turner emphasised that data relating to the fear of crime and the perception of anti-social behaviour were seen to vary markedly between some ward groups, with respondents living in Leominster and Hereford City South most likely to perceive their local area to have a high level of anti-social behaviour, whilst those in the Kington area were the least likely.  It was stated that the results of the analysis regarding fear of crime had not seen many significant changes compared to 2006 (which saw a significant improvement) this remained ‘disproportionate’ to the actual crimes.  The Divisional Commander emphasised that the overall crime in Herefordshire was low, however Government required the measuring of the fear of crime as well as actual crime.  He additionally highlighted that the 16-24 age group were the group most fearful of crime, and that this age group was the group most at risk of being both the victims of, and perpetrator of crime.  Funding and commitment was required to support this age group, however it was stated that the loss of the LPSA (which provided half of the funding for the community safety work) had led to the unsustainability of four posts.  The Partnership structure was currently being considered and partners were being requested to fund any shortfall in funding.  He was pleased to highlight that road traffic fatalities had decreased.

In response to a question raised by a Member, the Director of Children’s Services stated that two schools had not responded to the survey purely due to the burden placed upon them to complete surveys.  Members were advised that the Council was currently looking at streamlining the number of surveys distributed.

Responding to questions raised on the accuracy of data, the framing of questions and the inclusion of Parish Councils, the Partnership Manager advised that Parish Councils had not provided data directly, however there had been several opportunities to be involved and input into the process, e.g PACT meetings, mobile promotion, however it was stated that consideration would be given to approaching Parish councils directly in the development of future plans.  Questions for the surveys had been based on national youth and lifestyle surveys and set in the context of qualitative data.

Concern was expressed that some targets had not been set within the strategy.  This was due to changes in national recording systems and definitions, therefore this year would be the baseline year in some areas.

General comments were made with relation to the problems caused by young people and their relationship with alcohol, which seemed to be in some cases a greater problem than drug taking and associated activity.  The Divisional Commander advised Cabinet that the police and trading standards were working effectively together to tackle issues relating to underage drinking.  Members additionally drew attention to those seemingly lesser crimes e.g Fly tipping, litter and dog fouling, which were anti-social, and which, if ignored could lead to escalating crime.  It was stated that the Council needed to communicate more effectively on the anti-social aspects of such behaviour and advertise wider the means by which these crimes were reported. 

There was general consensus of the need to develop and encourage a vibrant, lively and safe nighttime economy.

The Cabinet acknowledged the assistance of the West Mercia Constabulary in supporting and co-operating with the Council.

RESOLVED

That the Council adopt the Herefordshire Community Safety and Drugs Partnership Plan.