The Overview and Scrutiny Performance Board met to discuss community safety across Worcestershire. Key discussions included crime reduction, substance misuse, domestic abuse, and youth services. The Board also reviewed the county's approach to counter-terrorism, gambling harm reduction, and policing statistics.

Community Safety Update

The meeting provided a comprehensive update on Worcestershire County Council's community safety efforts, highlighting progress in several key areas. Councillor Tor Pingree, a member for Crime and Disorder, introduced the report, emphasizing the council's statutory duty under Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to consider crime reduction in its functions. Councillor Alan Biles, CMR for Health and Wellbeing, provided an overview, noting the collaborative approach between various agencies, including West Mercia Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Significant achievements highlighted included the Worcestershire Domestic Abuse Strategy 2026-2029, increased investment in drug and alcohol treatment services with over 3,000 residents accessing support annually, and progress in youth work initiatives like the Worcester City Safe Place Project. Worcestershire also received a positive assessment from the Home Office for its Prevent Duty, exceeding requirements in most areas.

Simon Wilkes, Head of Trading Standards, elaborated on specific achievements. He noted the Trading Standards team's success in tackling illicit tobacco and expanding closure order activity against persistent sellers. He also detailed improvements in drug and alcohol treatment services, with sustained increases in numbers accessing support without compromising quality, evidenced by improved continuity of care data for those released from prison. Wilkes also highlighted the focus on survivor voices in domestic abuse needs assessments, leading to increased investment in community-based services and reduced waiting lists. For youth work, he detailed a 50% increase in investment over 18 months, with a focus on detached youth work to engage young people not currently accessing services. The development of a youth hub in Worcester city centre, following feedback from young people, was also cited as a success, leading to a reduction in antisocial behaviour.

Youth Justice and Young People

Lorna Tilley, Head of Service for West Mercia Youth Justice Service, presented on the service's work, noting its unique position covering the same area as the police force and its hosting within the PCC's office. The service focuses on reducing first-time entrants to the youth justice system, reducing re-offending, and reducing rates of serious violence. Worcestershire's rates for these indicators are below the England and Wales average.

Councillor Justin Bowen raised questions about re-offending rates for specific court orders and first-time entrants, seeking clarity on the data and trends. Tilley explained the nuances of first-time entrants, which can include out-of-court resolutions. Councillor Chris McSweeny inquired about the definition of rate of first-time entrants on a graph, which was clarified as being measured per 100,000 population. Concerns were also raised about the underreporting of sexual offences, with Tilley stating that while she couldn't comment on underreporting, the Youth Justice Service provides robust support for children involved in sexual offences. Superintendent Gareth Morgan from West Mercia Police acknowledged the difficulty in knowing what is underreported but highlighted increased efforts in engaging with young people and improving partnerships to understand these issues.

Councillor Roger Bennett asked for data on re-offending rates to be broken down by area, which Tilley agreed to provide. Councillor Richard Udall raised concerns about young people being victims of exploitation by adults, and Tilley confirmed that the Youth Justice Service works within a multi-agency assessment arena to safeguard children at risk.

Judy Gibson, Head of Service for Skills and Employability, discussed the issue of young people Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET). She reported that in August 2026, 5.2% of 16 to 18-year-olds were NEET, with a further 1.7% having an unknown destination. Higher numbers were noted in Worcester City, Redditch, Wychavon, and Wyre Forest. Gibson explained that these figures are influenced by local economic conditions, the availability of opportunities in nearby cities like Birmingham, and the capacity of local colleges. She outlined the NEET Reduction and Prevention Strategy and the role of Careers Worcestershire and DWP Youth Hubs in supporting young people.

Councillor O'Rourke asked about the government's announcement of 1,000 new youth workers and whether Worcestershire would benefit, and also about targeted youth work for the LGBT community. Andy Boote, Head of Service for Safer Communities, stated that details on the youth worker funding were still emerging, but Worcestershire had not yet been on lists to submit expressions of interest for related pilot programs. He acknowledged the ongoing issue of recruiting trained youth workers nationally and confirmed that some youth organisations in the county run specific sessions for LGBT individuals, with some young people integrating into mainstream activities. Boote also addressed concerns about transport availability for young people seeking employment, particularly from rural areas to Redditch, and agreed to discuss this with Worcestershire On Demand.

Trading Standards and Consumer Protection

Simon Wilkes, Head of Trading Standards, detailed the service's work in protecting residents from fraud and safeguarding public health. Key priorities include tackling doorstep crime, product safety, animal health, food standards, and illegal tobacco and vapes. Wilkes reported a reduction in seizures of illicit tobacco and vapes, attributing this partly to criminals adapting their methods by storing products away from retail premises. He also highlighted successful prosecutions against rogue traders, including Daniel Footman, who received a five-and-a-half-year sentence for fraudulent trading. The service also removed over 350 unsafe products from the market and continued enforcement against intellectual property crime.

Councillor Richard Udall raised concerns about the underreporting of domestic abuse, particularly financial abuse and same-sex abuse, and asked about how these issues are being targeted. David Andrew, an Advanced Public Health Practitioner, confirmed that these themes are covered within training and that community-based interventions are being used to raise awareness and improve accessibility. Mark Bayliss, Deputy PCC, added that significant investment is being made in perpetrator programmes, including CDER, Men and Masculinities, and DRIVE, and urged for continued government funding for these initiatives.

Councillor Chris McSweeny questioned the trend of criminals storing illicit tobacco away from premises and asked for comparisons with the rest of the country. Wilkes explained that this is a national trend, with criminals adapting their behaviour. He also discussed underage sales of vapes, with five out of 17 tested premises failing, and confirmed these premises would be subject to further enforcement and retesting.

Councillor Malcolm Victory raised concerns about animal welfare and food chain inspections, and Wilkes clarified that while the council has a duty to control disease, routine farm inspections are not conducted due to resource limitations. He also confirmed that a sampling program is in place for food standards, using intelligence to direct testing.

Drugs and Alcohol

Andy Boote provided an overview of the drug and alcohol services commissioned by Public Health, referencing the government's From Harm to Hope strategy. He highlighted a significant increase in access to treatment services, with over 3,000 residents accessing support annually, a 30% increase compared to national figures. Boote emphasized the importance of harm reduction, including needle exchange programs and naloxone distribution, and the innovative outreach service.

Councillor Richard Udall raised concerns about drug and alcohol misuse among adults over 50, particularly due to social isolation. Boote explained the tiered approach to prevention, focusing on primary prevention in schools, treatment services, and tertiary prevention through harm reduction. He mentioned the Emerging Futures charity, which offers community support for older adults. Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health, added that the issue of deaths of despair is linked to social isolation and disconnection, and that public health efforts are focused on community development.

Councillor Roger Bennett inquired about the impact of early release from prison on services, and Paul Kinsella, Senior Public Health Practitioner, explained that while it presents practical challenges, existing structures are in place to manage the transition.

Domestic Abuse

David Andrew, Advanced Public Health Practitioner, and Paul Kinsella discussed the commissioned domestic abuse services, including the Domestic Abuse Support Service (DASS) delivered by West Mercia Women's Aid. They reported a 25-30% increase in referrals over the last three years and highlighted additional investment in children's services to reduce waiting times. The importance of community-based interventions and the lived experience advisory network was also emphasized.

Councillor Richard Udall raised concerns about financial abuse and same-sex abuse, and David Andrew confirmed these are covered within training and community-based interventions. Mark Bayliss, Deputy PCC, discussed the investment in perpetrator programmes and the importance of addressing the behaviour of perpetrators to break the cycle of abuse.

Reducing Reoffending

Paul Kinsella provided an update on reducing reoffending, noting that Worcestershire performs favourably compared to the West Midlands region. He identified financial difficulties, accommodation issues, and substance misuse as key factors associated with reconviction. Councillor Chris McSweeny and Councillor Roger Bennett raised concerns about the availability and clarity of re-offending data, with Lisa McNally agreeing to seek further information from probation services. Councillor Karen May inquired about the involvement of the NHS in addressing issues like anxiety and ADHD, and Kinsella confirmed significant collaboration, including a memorandum of understanding between Cranston and the Health and Care Trust Mental Health Services to ensure seamless support.

Serious Violence and Youth Services

Andy Boote provided an overview of the work on serious violence, emphasizing a focus on preventing children and young people from becoming involved in violence through targeted youth work and diversionary activities. He highlighted a 16% reduction in first-time entrants into the Youth Justice System in Worcestershire since 2022, contrasting with an increase in the West Midlands region. Lorna Tilley added that the West Mercia Youth Justice Service works to reduce reoffending and improve outcomes for children, with positive engagement in education, training, and employment.

Judy Gibson discussed the issue of young people Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET), reporting that 5.2% of 16 to 18-year-olds were NEET in August 2026. She explained that local figures are influenced by economic conditions and the availability of opportunities, and outlined the NEET Reduction and Prevention Strategy.

Counter Terrorism

Jim Bayliss, Public Health Practitioner, and Superintendent Gareth Morgan presented on the CONTEST strategy, focusing on Prevent, Protect, and Prepare. They highlighted Project Hestia, an online learning package for parents and educators to raise awareness of extremist threats and violence fixation. Bayliss emphasized the importance of equipping parents with the knowledge to identify and respond to concerns about radicalisation and harmful content. Councillor Richard Udall raised concerns about older adults becoming susceptible to extremism through social isolation and online engagement, and Bayliss confirmed that Project Hestia is designed to be applicable across all age groups.

Reducing Gambling Related Harm

Andy Boote introduced the new statutory Gambling Levy and the council's initial work in this area, which includes a needs assessment and the establishment of a strategic network. He noted that gambling participation is estimated to be highest in Redditch and Wyre Forest, with 2% of adults exhibiting problematic gambling behaviours. Councillor Malcolm Victory highlighted the link between debt problems and gambling, and Boote confirmed that the service is linking with Citizens Advice and other debt advice agencies. Councillor Richard Udall raised concerns about illegal money lenders potentially moving into illegal bookmaking, and Boote acknowledged the need for collaboration with licensing, police, and other agencies to address this.

West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner Update

Mark Bayliss, Deputy PCC, provided an update on policing in West Mercia. He stated that crime continues to fall nationally and that West Mercia remains one of the safest areas in the country. However, he noted a 1% increase in crime in Worcestershire last year, with drug offences up 7% and a small rise in rape offences. Reported antisocial behaviour incidents fell by 2%. Bayliss discussed police numbers, noting a slight decrease from peak levels and anticipating further pressure on resources.

Councillor Michele Hulme inquired about the use of the Neighbourhood Matters portal for reporting crime and antisocial behaviour, and Bayliss and Superintendent Gareth Morgan highlighted its importance as a two-way communication tool and encouraged its promotion. Councillor Tor Pingree asked about long-term plans for tackling drug-related offences, and Bayliss explained a combined approach of enforcement and public health initiatives. Councillor Malcolm Victory questioned the disconnect between falling local crime rates and national issues like court backlogs and prison overcrowding, which Bayliss clarified as separate issues, emphasizing that recorded crime data is distinct from the criminal justice system's capacity. Councillor Roger Bennett raised concerns about shoplifting and the safety of shop workers, and Bayliss confirmed there is no minimum value for recording shoplifting incidents and that the force is taking a more coordinated approach to tackle it. He also discussed the challenges of face coverings being used by offenders and the need for legislative changes. Councillor Richard Udall followed up on shop worker safety, and Superintendent Gareth Morgan stated that the force is actively working to protect shop workers and is seeing reductions in shoplifting.

The work programme was deferred to the next meeting.