Agenda item

This report is the end of year performance report for Safer York Partnership. The report also covers the refreshed priorities within the Safer York Partnership Community Safety Strategy for 2022 and discusses a proposed review of Safer York Partnership alongside the production of a new three year strategy for the period 2023-2026.

This report provided the end of year performance report for Safer York Partnership. The report also covered the refreshed priorities within the Safer York Partnership Community Safety Strategy for 2022 and discussed a proposed review of Safer York Partnership alongside the production of a new three year strategy for the period 2023- 2026. The Head of Community Safety was in attendance to present the report and respond to questions.

Officers presented the report which highlighted the current priorities of the Safer York Partnership. It was reported that a City Centre Multi-Agency Roadmap to Recovery Group had been established to monitor and combat crime and anti-social behaviour in central York. The group had since been stood down following the lifting of restrictions. A consultation was underway on the re-imposition of a public space protection order to empower police to seize alcohol in situations of anti-social behaviour. Officers noted that York held Purple Flag status as a safe city but acknowledged that it was important not to be complacent.

The Counter-Terrorism Task Group was discussed, which met quarterly. Key points raised were the new protect duty which was to come in force in 2023, the level of risk in publically accessible location and learning from the Manchester Arena attack of 2017. It was noted that the task group was undertaking risk assessment in York on a constant basis in line with the national threat level. Officers explained that counter-terrorism measures in place in York were installed on the advice of the unit, with a focus on hostile vehicle threat mitigation. It was explained that such measures were needed to prevent York from becoming a logical target since similar defences had been installed in nearby cities.

There were regular meeting on anti-social behaviour with police and other neighbourhood groups and a new problem solving model had been introduced based on the SARA model. Work was also underway with Superintendent Mark Khan of North Yorkshire Police on a strategy for violence against women and girls.

Members expressed support for ward city centre ward councillors inclusion in Safer York Partnership meetings, but some expressed concern at the potential seizure of addictive substances. Officers clarified that although other cities having physical defences installed were a factor in York’s risk of an attack, that was not the reason for installation. Officers cited the attacks on Christmas markets in various cities since 2017 as a particular threat to York, especially due to the city’s large footfall. It was emphasised that permanent physical anti-terrorism measures were part of a larger plan and that they were confident they were proportional to the threat posed.

Members enquired about the possibility of installing CCTV in the Shambles Market at the suggestion of a local women’s group and officers reported that a successful bid had been made to the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and the next round of funding would be focusing on increasing CCTV.

Resolved:

i.             That the information relating to delivery in 2021/22 of the Community Safety Refresh 2021 be noted.

ii.            That comments of the committee on the proposed additions to the Community Strategy Refresh 2022 be noted.

iii.          That the views of the committee in relation to the potential strategic priorities for the Community Safety Strategy 2023-26 be noted.

Reason: To update members on the performance of the Safer York Partnership and facilitate contribution to development of future strategy.