Agenda item

The Presiding Member invited Councillor Drewett, Cabinet Member for Communities and Poverty Reduction to present the Safer Newport Community Safety Strategic Needs Assessment and plan for 2024 to 2029. 

Newport City Council had a responsibility under the Crime and Disorder Act (1998) to formulate and implement a plan to reduce crime and disorder in the area through the local Community Safety Partnership, Safer Newport.

This important partnership included Gwent Police and other relevant partners and supported a multi-agency approach to complex problems.

Part of the partnership responsibility included undertaking a Strategic Needs Assessment for Community Safety.  The primary goal of this assessment was to pinpoint the underlying causes, patterns, and significant community safety issues, such as Anti-Social Behaviour, Serious Violence, Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse, and Sexual Violence.

The Strategic Needs Assessment presented with the report provided an evaluation of the current picture of community safety in Newport, based on quantitative data from various agencies and qualitative insights from citizens and partners.

This was previously considered by the Performance Scrutiny Committee; Partnerships and their comments were included within the report.

This was successfully recommended by Cabinet to Council for formal adoption. 

These documents were considered by the partnership and was also recommended by Cabinet to be adopted by Full Council.

Councillor Davies seconded the report.

Comments of Councillors:

§  Councillor D Davies mentioned that the detailed assessment and data showed high levels of crime but that it was reassuring that people felt self in the city.  Councillor D Davies thought that it was important to note that this was a due to a multi-agency approach. This would help provide a targeted evidence-based approach. 

§  Councillor Evans referred to anti-social behaviour and the results of the bus and wi-fi survey in that people felt that they might be a victim of crime in Newport, which was concerning. Residents were tired of excuses and wanted concrete action and therefore hoped that this approach would bring the city back on track.

§  Councillor Adan referred to the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) which was up for review, and this would go out for public consultation and added that Councillor Drewett was working within the community and should be given time to make an impression for the residents of Newport.

§  Councillor Al-Nuaimi fully supported the report but pointed out the safety of women and girls was paramount and that street lighting within the city should remain on for their safety.

§  Councillor Fouweather referred to drug agencies providing methadone within Newport as he felt this could be a factor in anti-social behaviour.  Councillor Fouweather stated that people did not feel safe after 4pm and needed to take into consideration offenders and crime in Newport. The city centre was a great place but needed to be better.  Councillor Fouweather had started however to see an improvement with the new Leader in place, such as the cleaning and fixing of the paving stones.

§  The Leader thanked Councillor Fouweather and added that this action was due to the efforts of Councillors Forsey and R Howells’ Cabinet Member portfolio. The Leader also addressed Councillor Al-Nuaimi’s concern about street lighting.  The Council budget had been decimated and whilst he would like to street lighting switched back on the Council could not afford it.  The Leader stated that the Council needed to work better with the private sector because of the financial struggles the Council was facing.

§  Councillor Cocks welcomed the report which was focused on tackling anti-social behaviour and crime.

§  Councillor Hourahine referred to the PSPO debate that would be discussed at council, following Scrutiny Committee, and hoped that members would take the opportunity to find out what was happening within the city.

§  Councillor Reynolds referred to perception in relation to crime within Newport and the provision of real data rather than anecdotal evidence.  Levels of policing had been decimated, and crime was on increase. The report however, outlined how the Council would take action that would improve the city centre.

§  Councillor Evans suggested that Cabinet Members take a walk around the city centre to appreciate the concerns raised.

§  Councillor Morris mentioned that residents were afraid to go into city during the day because of people asking for money.  He thought that the city was struggling, and that Councillors needed to work in unison to improve the city.

§  Councillor Clarke understood the points made but also made reference to positive aspects.  The Placemaking Plan was out for consultation, for residents and businesses and encouraged everyone to get involved to be part of change.

§  Councillor Corten thanked officers that brought this to Performance Scrutiny Committee, Partnerships and for their hard work and mentioned the positive aspects of people visiting the city to experience the music and other nighttime venues on a regular basis.

§  Councillor Thomas observed that the city had changed since moving here in 2002 but that she felt safe.  Councillor Thomas also chaired the Licensing Committee and was aware of issues raised through that channel. Councillor Thomas wished to remind residents that any criminal activity should be reported to the police as it was vitally important to record and address these issues. Newport was a valuable resource and added that the biggest area of growth in crime was shoplifting not poor street lighting.

§  Councillor Marshall mentioned that the report was positive and mentioned the importance of working with partners. Places such as the Indoor market, leisure centre, and Corn Exchange were part of a new dynamic, and the Council was part of amazing events such as Pride in the ‘Port and the Food Festival; a lot of events were free, and this was very important so that everyone could participate, and visitors were attracted to the city.

§  Councillor Horton reflected that part of the challenge for small businesses was competing with global rivals.

§  Councillor Sterry mentioned that Cwmbran and Spytty were thriving.

§  Councillor Spencer said that he used the city centre regularly and did not encounter any trouble.

§  Councillor Screen added that the report included a plan to address the problems of the city centre.

§  Councillor Hussain stated that she regularly visited a local mosque in the city centre with her daughter in law at about 10pm and always felt safe.

§  Councillor Mogford reflected that as Mayor he had been invited to many events in the city centre and the positivity was reassuring. There was an onus on all of the elected members to promote the city. Whilst there were problems, the Council had to move forward, and these plans could be measured to see what could be achieved.  The Council had to learn to manage problems as part of the growth of the city.

§  The Presiding member mentioned that having the Safer Plan in place was a viable way of going forward.

Resolved:

Council approved and adopted the Safer Newport Community Strategic Needs Assessment and Community Safety Plan appended to this report.