The Community Protection Team Manager introduced the report which provided an update on the Community Safety Plan and Strategic Assessment. Crime figures and actions taken by Safer Maidstone Partnership were included within the report. It was noted that since the report was published, the Leader of the Council had changed and the foreword would be updated within the Community Safety Plan.

Chief Inspector Gary Woodward and Deputy Chief Inspector Stephen Kent were in attendance and introduced to the Committee.

Concern was raised that the new Leader of the Council had not been consulted on the refreshed Community Safety Plan and may wish to review it before it was approved, with particular reference made to the increase in antisocial behaviour.

The Community Protection Team Manager explained that crime figures had been impacted by Covid-19 restrictions and that the increase in incidents of antisocial behaviour had occurred on a national level.

It was requested that this item be reviewed at the next meeting of the Committee, and the Head of Housing and Community Services reminded the Committee that as the document is a partnership strategy, any significant revision would need to be considered and approved by the Safer Maidstone Partnership, which needed to be considered when agreeing timings.

Chief Inspector Gary Woodward addressed the Committee and encouraged Members to make direct contact if there were concerns that they felt were not being addressed through the usual processes.

RESOLVED: That the item be deferred to enable the new Leader of the Council to be consulted on the revised Community Safety Plan.