The Community Safety Partnership met on Wednesday 3 April 2024 to discuss updates on tackling anti-social behaviour, drug and alcohol services, and strategies to combat violence against women and girls (VAWG). Key decisions included the continuation of existing drug and alcohol services while a new tender process is underway and the commitment to increase walk and talks to improve public safety.

Headline Updates on ASB Community MARAC

The Community MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference) has held four meetings since October 2023, with two cases resolved and closed, and two referred to other departments. Three cases remain open and ongoing. The partnership noted the positive impact of these meetings and plans to increase the focus on tactics such as Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs).¹

Drugs and Alcohol Service Tender

Due to a technical issue with funding, the tender for the new Adult and Young Peoples Drug and Alcohol Service had to be re-started, with a new submission deadline of 3 April 2024. A report was presented to continue the existing service for a further five months to ensure continuity. The new service is expected to be in place by 1 September 2024. The adult service will continue to provide clinical substitute medication for opioids, and young people can access the adult clinical team if needed. Additionally, a tri-borough² Individual Placement and Support (IPS) scheme, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, has commenced. This scheme will provide intensive support to individuals in drug and alcohol treatment to help them find employment.

VAWG Operational Meeting and Strategy

A new monthly Barking and Dagenham VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) public spaces delivery group has been established, with its first full operational meeting held at the end of March 2024. The group aims to address issues affecting women and girls in the borough by analysing performance data, engaging with third-sector organisations, and finding solutions. The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) highlighted this as a positive initiative and are encouraging its replication in Havering and Redbridge, with plans for a tri-borough VAWG meeting. Councillor Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing, expressed concern that despite new initiatives, there has been no significant improvement in VAWG and domestic abuse (DA) offences. Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement & Community Safety, requested an increase in monthly walk and talks, particularly during darker hours, to be supported by BeFirst³ to address issues like poor lighting and public space improvements. He also stressed the need to review capacity within VAWG services and for a dedicated VAWG lead.

The current VAWG strategy, produced in 2017, is being updated due to a new statutory duty and the findings of the DA Commission. A draft document has been developed with four priorities: how the partnership tackles VAWG locally, preventing VAWG and addressing root causes, ensuring survivors access the right support, and focusing on perpetrators. The updated strategy will be aligned with the Serious Violence Duty (SVD) strategy and the Domestic Abuse Improvement Plan (DIAP). Redbridge and Havering are also updating their VAWG strategies, and a tri-borough statement on commitments is being explored. Councillor Ghani noted that the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) review will help identify gaps and resource needs, particularly in VAWG and women's safety.

Domestic Abuse Improvement Plan

Significant milestones were achieved in the Domestic Abuse Improvement Plan (DIAP) during 2023/24, including the mobilisation of new services for children, young people, and perpetrators of DA, and the rollout of a new learning and development offer. Symposiums were held during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, fostering relationships and setting outcomes for national policy. DA champions are now available across the council, and new teams are working with children, young people, and families impacted by DA. Health Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs)⁴ are based at hospitals, and ongoing work includes MARAC development and a tri-borough form. The council is focusing on increasing awareness and referrals to commissioned services, reviewing pathways, and recommissioning the victim survivor domestic and sexual abuse service. A bid to become an AVA⁵ housing and homeless borough had to stop due to AVA's bankruptcy, but efforts are being made to retain the experts. There is one Domestic Homicide Review (DHR)⁶ ongoing, a rapid review has been undertaken, and the council is involved in a DHR in Hertfordshire. Councillor Worby highlighted the significant reliance on grant funding in this area, which needs to deliver pressured core functions.

Subgroup Update Reports

The Hate Crime and Intolerance Extremism Subgroup has low attendance, with representation mainly from the Council and MPS. A review is planned to assess the structure, effectiveness, and attendance, with a focus on increasing community representation and exploring the possibility of a co-chair from the MPS. A review of the substance misuse operational meeting is also underway, with plans to merge it with reducing reoffending to improve structure. Tri-borough funding has been secured for Individual Placement Support (IPS) schemes, with Havering leading the arrangements.