The Culture, Community Safety & Environment Scrutiny Panel met on Tuesday 27 February 2024 to discuss the Community Safety and Hate Crime Strategy, the rollout of a dockless bike hire scheme, and an overview of anti-social behaviour in the borough. The Panel noted the progress on the Community Safety and Hate Crime Strategy and the upcoming launch of the dockless bike scheme, and received an update on anti-social behaviour data.

Community Safety and Hate Crime Strategy

The Panel received an update on the Community Safety and Hate Crime Strategy, which has been developed collaboratively with stakeholders and involved significant community engagement, with over 1,000 residents participating. Councillor Ibrahim Ali raised concerns about boosting reporting in communities with low engagement, drawing parallels with successful initiatives in the Jewish community regarding antisemitism. Councillor Jogee, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Cohesion, emphasised the councillors' role in advocating for reporting and the ongoing efforts to enhance effectiveness, noting the strategy's adaptability and the importance of reporting in securing funds and challenging stereotypes. Councillor Ali also expressed concerns about the unequal treatment of hate crimes by police sections and stressed the need to build confidence in reporting. Councillor Jogee highlighted the council's role as a critical friend to the police and advocated for open engagement, noting the alignment between councillors' concerns and future plans.

Concerns were also raised about police visibility and effectiveness in addressing recurring crime in hotspot areas. Councillor Jogee emphasised the role of community leaders in informing and holding the police accountable, noting the communication role of council officers and the need for adequate police resources, including the new Metropolitan Police plan to restore neighbourhood policing. The Chair inquired about measures to ensure police accountability in implementing the new Metropolitan Police plan for London, in response to the Baroness Casey Review. Councillor Jogee highlighted the importance of open dialogue, addressing frustrations, and collaborating with various agencies.

Councillor Gina Adamou asked about monitoring the strategy's progress and the potential for amendments. Joe Benmore, Integrated Lead for Offender Management, stated that an annually reviewed action plan would follow the report at the Community Safety Partnership Board. Councillor Dunstall inquired about trust and confidence in the police and council, with Councillor Jogee responding that these are frequently discussed issues, particularly concerning community diversity and safety, and that the Metropolitan Police Commissioner's plan to restore neighbourhood policing aims to strengthen trust.

Ian Sygrave raised concerns about residents' uncertainty in reporting incidents and the lack of clarity on reporting methods, emphasising the importance of clear guidelines. Councillor Jogee acknowledged the issue of underreporting and highlighted the strategy's framework as a solution. Councillor Ali inquired about the focus on third-party reporting and suggested establishing centres in trusted community locations, which Councillor Jogee indicated would be taken further with the team.

The Panel resolved to note the content of the presentation on the key findings from the public engagement and consultation, and to note the next steps, including Cabinet approval to take the Community Safety Strategy to Full Council for approval in March 2024. An action was agreed to circulate the feedback report for the draft community safety strategy and hate crime strategy.

Dockless Bikes - Transport Planning

Councillor Hakata, Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment, and Transport and Deputy Leader of the Council, introduced the report on the rollout of dockless bikes, a key initiative to transition from car-based transportation to active sustainable travel. The report highlighted the benefits of dockless bikes in promoting active lifestyles and addressing climate change. Councillor Hakata outlined the next steps, including launching the scheme, publicising the date widely, monitoring feedback, and making necessary adjustments to bike locations and pricing, while ensuring ongoing communication and transparency.

Councillor Ali raised concerns about the pricing of the bikes and inquired about concessions for specific groups. Councillor Hakata addressed this by highlighting an initial free period and discounts for students and key workers. There was disappointment expressed regarding the placement of bike stations and a lack of early engagement on location selection, with Councillor Hakata assuring ongoing feedback mechanisms and short-term adjustments. Members discussed the suitability of certain areas for e-bikes, suggesting utilising more road space rather than pavements.

A comparison table of pricing among operators was suggested to clarify pricing and concession details, with discussion on clear messaging regarding concessions and pricing variations to users, including subscription options. The availability of concessions through various channels was considered, along with mechanisms for users to easily identify concession options. Councillor Dunstall raised concerns about the cost, noting that Lime bikes were initially free or inexpensive upon launch and inquiring if this pricing model could be maintained. It was clarified that the pricing structure is outlined in the tender and agreement for the initial 24 months. Assurance was given regarding improved arrangements with Lime, providing the council with greater influence.

Councillor Carroll shared experiences from other boroughs where the rollout of bikes led to tensions, particularly regarding access to pavements and the impact on wheelchair users and individuals with buggies. Steps were acknowledged to address these concerns. Councillor Hakata acknowledged the need for infrastructure development and noted a shift towards cycling.

Actions agreed included circulating a comparison table of pricing among operators, arranging feedback meetings with relevant stakeholders, publicising the launch date widely, ensuring clear communication channels for reporting issues, and organising walkabouts for community feedback. The Panel noted the contents of the report for information.

Ward Level Data - Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Overview

Joe Benmore, IOM Strategic Lead, presented data on Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) in Haringey. Between February 2023 and January 2024, Haringey recorded 10,220 ASB incidents, ranking 12th in London for volume. The rate of ASB per 1,000 population was 34.6, 18% above the London average. Bruce Castle ward had the highest volume and rate of ASB. Common types of ASB included Rowdy/Inconsiderate Behaviour, Rowdy/Nuisance Neighbours, ASB Nuisance, Noise, and Vehicle Nuisance. ASB levels tended to peak during the summer months.

The presentation also highlighted the use of the Council's CCTV control room for key operations, with CCTV operators working closely with the police, waste enforcement, and the ASB Enforcement Team. This partnership working had led to an increased number of fly-tipping fines and enforcement actions, with two fly-tipping vehicles seized. A hate crime incident captured on CCTV also led to an arrest.

Councillor Ali proposed providing ward councillors with information about hotspot areas to address community perceptions and ensure transparency, and suggested including year-by-year comparisons and more detailed information about ASB types and locations in future presentations. The Chair inquired about the demographic of ASB perpetrators, stressing its importance in determining response priorities. Joe Benmore stated that this information is not currently available as it is extracted from police data, but efforts could be made to request it.

Councillor Dunstall raised concerns about residents not receiving feedback on complaints submitted through the council portal and suggested implementing clear response timeframes. He also inquired about data on the council's performance against these commitments. Councillor Jogee proposed reviewing the statistics and providing an update on improving the response process at the next meeting.

Actions agreed included looking into requesting additional data on the demographics of ASB perpetrators from the police, and reviewing existing statistics around complaint handling from residents to present at the next meeting with proposals for improvement. The content of the presentation was noted for information.