Question from Councillor Sam Smith to the Portfolio Holder for Public Protection:
“We have all seen an increase in anti-social behaviour in our Wards over the past year. Can the Cabinet Member responsible inform us of how this data is collected by the Council and what plans the Council has in place to reduce anti-social behaviour across the Borough?”
Minutes:
Question received from Councillor Sam Smith
“We have all seen an increase in anti-social behaviour in our Wards over the past year. Can the Cabinet Member responsible inform us of how this data is collected by the Council and what plans the Council has in place to reduce anti-social behaviour across the Borough?”
Response from the Portfolio Holder for Public Protection, Councillor David Ellis
“I suppose I ought to start with an apology to those members who are on Overview and Scrutiny. I alerted members on the Committee to this increase in reports of anti-social behaviour (ASB) when I attended it in November. As well as that discussion, the Committee considered an update earlier this month. These two meetings gave the opportunity for a thorough discussion on ASB and the effect of Covid 19.
Therefore, much of this reply will be familiar to members on Overview and Scrutiny. Councillor Smith was at both those meetings so I’m not sure what additional insights he expects to gain from asking this question that he could not have gained from taking advantage of the earlier opportunities.
Recorded incidents of anti-social behaviour reported by the Council are taken from two data sets. The primary data is incidents reported to Nottinghamshire Police. The second is incidents reported to the Council and recorded on its own system, Uniform.
As I discussed with members at the Scrutiny Committee, the increase in reported ASB since March 2020 is mainly driven by reports of infringements of Covid restrictions. In line with the police national recording standards these are recorded as ASB. Consequently, there has been an apparent increase - locally, across the South Notts CSP area, across Nottinghamshire, and indeed nationally. Much of this was exacerbated during the first period of lockdown which coincided with good weather, that proved too much temptation for many.
The latest information from the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Chief Constable confirms that the increase in ASB is primarily due to the enforcement of Covid restrictions and that the underlying level of “traditional” ASB has not increased. It’s anticipated that the significant increase in reported ASB seen at the six month point will have diminished when the full year figures are published.
The response to ASB is a partnership effort. The Council works closely with the neighbourhood policing team, as well as other partners such as social housing providers, to provide an effective and comprehensive response. The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 consolidated the powers available to deal with ASB. These powers include civil injunctions; criminal behaviour orders and community protection notices, all of which are taken against individuals. Action can be taken where the problems relate to specific places through Public Space Protection Orders, Dispersal Orders, and Closure orders. As you would expect the Council and its partners use their powers appropriately and judiciously. Under this Administration the Council has consistently demonstrated its determination to take action where necessary.
Responding to Covid has been a challenge to all public services. We can be proud of the way that the Council and its staff have adapted to meet the humanitarian needs of our communities. In addition, I would commend the way in which the Public Protection team has provided support and advice to businesses and individuals – very much engaging, educating, and encouraging. However, where appropriate we have taken enforcement action.
The co-ordination between the neighbourhood policing team and the Public Protection service is well established. As well as the fortnightly Local Operations Meetings the fact that the two teams are co-located means, in normal times, that informal discussions are far easier and relationships are strong. The Neighbourhood Inspector also attends my portfolio meetings. These local arrangements demonstrate joined up working on a common agenda.
When specific issues have come to light appropriate action has been taken. For example, members highlighted concerns about some parks and open spaces being used for impromptu gatherings of young people. In response, high visibility patrols were deployed providing advice and where necessary enforcement activity. Thank you to those local members who raised these specific concerns with me and the team. The neighbourhood wardens and police have continued with their targeted patrols, including joint patrols where appropriate, to engage with the public across the Borough. The Covid Marshalls are an additional resource to provide support, reassurance, deterrence and are a good source of intelligence and information.
There have been ongoing engagement projects and outreach work delivered in hot spot locations with young people by Nottinghamshire County Council Youth Services, again working closely with Police and Wardens.
Our CCTV system is also a vital tool in tackling anti-social behaviour in identified hot spots. There has been some very significant intelligence and information obtained by the CCTV room staff. Members will be aware that this Administration has continued to invest in CCTV and to improve the quality of images for evidential purposes.
Members will be aware of some high profile instances of closure orders being served, of fixed penalties being imposed, and of dispersal orders being made. However, we must not lose sight of the fact that most people in the Borough have accepted the restrictions which the Government has imposed and despite the difficulties have contributed to controlling Covid. Enforcement has only been necessary against a minority.
Madam Mayor, I hope that this response reassures members that the Council and its partners take anti-social behaviour seriously and are responding appropriately. Thank You.”
In response to an additional comment from Councillor Sam Smith, the Portfolio Holder for Public Protection confirmed that he would be happy for further discussions to take place with any members who have any particular ASB issues in particular wards.
Councillor Feeney joined the meeting at 6.15pm.