The Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) introduced the report, stating that anti-social behaviour and crime was a high-profile topic and that there was a public perception of a worsening situation.

The purpose of the report was to draw together the initiatives of the Council and its partner organisations, and to ensure adequate communication of those initiatives to Members and the public, which it felt needed improvement. The types of recommendations within the report were briefly outlined, with specific reference made to those made to external organisations.

During the discussion, the Executive expressed that it was incumbent upon all Members to fully promote the work being undertaken, and that it was important to improve Member engagement. The anti-social behaviour displayed on the local train network was felt to be an important issue. 

In response to the Executive’s comments, the Chairman of the OSC stated that they hoped that all Members could work collaboratively to improve town centre safety and communicating the work undertaken. It was emphasised that the OSC’s report was intended as a starting point in achieving improvement.  

RESOLVED: That

1.  The report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be received; and

2.   A substantive response to the report be provided within two months, via the completion of the SCRAIP report.