Issue - meetings

To consider and decide on the recommendations as set out in the associated report. 

RESOLVED – That Full Council be recommended that the Community Safety Partnership Plan 2022/23 be approved.

REASON FOR DECISION: To confirm the multi-agency activity to reduce crime and disorder.

Terry Hughes, Community Safety Manager introduced the report set out in the agenda.

Discussion and questions from Members included the following:

-       The Council were achieving first, second or third in all of the categories of crime being reported and this made the Council the safest place in Kent and probably one of the safest places in England to live and work.

-       Keeping abreast of national trends would continue to be important.

-       The Near Miss Register and the register the police used to establish where people felt unsafe would continue to be an important tool that would allow the police to determine what could be done to make those areas feel safer.

-       It was confirmed that the final decision would be made by Full Council. 

RESOLVED – That Full Council be recommended that the Community Safety Partnership Plan 2022/23 be approved.

REASON FOR DECISION: To confirm the multi-agency activity to reduce crime and disorder.

Terry Hughes, Community Safety Officer presented his report as per the agenda.

Discussion and questions from Members included the following:

              i.        It was advised that the CSU would endeavour to bring the figures to cabinet by means of a briefing if not available in time for the next meeting of the Committee.

             ii.        It was advised that Tunbridge Wells was still a very safe place to live and although there had been an increase in crime they were generally of a low level and showed an increase in confidence in reporting crimes and the support available to offer the community.

            iii.        Thanks was given to the Police, CSU and voluntary groups that helped make Tunbridge Wells a safe place to live.

           iv.        On request Hate Crime was discussed and Inspector James outlined the measures that dealt with those offences.

             v.        Details of the plan that dealt with violence toward women and girls taken out in November 2021 were highlighted which included safer streets funding and public engagement.

           vi.        It was confirmed that plans were in place to have CCTV cameras introduced to Crescent Road, Torrington and Great Hall car parks to make Tunbridge Wells safer.

          vii.        The quality of information received through the local reporting tool was considered to give a good indication about safe and unsafe areas in the borough.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the recommendations to Cabinet as set out in the report be supported.