The Community Safety Scrutiny Committee convened for its first formal meeting, during which members endorsed the Safer Lincolnshire Partnership Strategy for 2025-2028, aimed at reducing crime, disorder, and antisocial behaviour in the county. The committee also reviewed and approved its work programme for 2025 and 2026, outlining key areas of focus and upcoming agenda items.

Safer Lincolnshire Partnership Strategy 2025-2028

The committee endorsed the Safer Lincolnshire Partnership (SLP) Strategy for 2025-2028, a collaborative effort to address community safety priorities across Lincolnshire. The strategy outlines how various agencies will work together to reduce re-offending, combat substance misuse, address antisocial behaviour, understand serious violence, and engage with communities.

Martin Parker, Assistant Director for Public Protection, explained that the SLP is an informal agreement between district councils, Lincolnshire County Council, police, fire, and the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC). Jade Thirlsby, Domestic Abuse Business Manager, added that the strategy is required every three years under the Crime and Disorder Act, and that it sets out how the partnership will support the reduction and re-offending of crime and disorder, as well as combating substance misuse, addressing antisocial behaviour and understanding serious violence for Lincolnshire.

Key aspects of the strategy include:

• Project-Based Approach: The SLP will adopt a project-based approach, focusing on targeted interventions based on evidence and community needs. These projects will fall into three categories: universal offers, county-wide projects, and local projects.
• Data-Driven Insights: The strategy will be underpinned by routine data scanning and analytical insight, with a dedicated board monitoring emerging trends and ensuring agile responses.
• Collaboration: The SLP will work closely with other partnerships, such as the Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP), the Lincolnshire Safeguarding Adults Board (LSAB), and the Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Partnership (LDAP), to avoid duplication and ensure a coordinated approach to cross-cutting issues.

• Funding: The SLP receives funding from various sources, including the PCC, local authorities, district councils, and health organisations. This funding supports the convening of the partnership, analytical work, case management systems, and statutory duties such as domestic abuse related death reviews[^1].

  [^1]: Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews (DADRs) were established on a statutory basis under the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004. A key part of prevention and early intervention, their main purpose is to prevent domestic violence and homicide.

• Community Engagement: The strategy emphasises the importance of engaging with local communities and the voluntary sector to build community resilience and ensure the long-term sustainability of interventions.

During the discussion, Councillor Kevin John Clarke raised concerns about antisocial behaviour related to parking on pathways in Lincoln, and the difficulty residents face when reporting it. He also highlighted the issue of under-reporting of crime due to a lack of police response. Martin Parker agreed to feed these items back to policing through the partnership.

Councillor B L T Robinson questioned the Police and Crime Commissioner's role in the strategy, suggesting a more integrated approach. Martin Parker clarified that while the PCC is not a statutory member of the SLP, the strategies are interlinked and must have due regard for each other.

Councillor J Smith praised the report's clarity and readability, and requested more data on re-offending rates and their causes. Councillor Mrs J Brockway echoed this request, seeking further information on prolific re-offending, crime rates in West Lindsey, and suicide figures.

Councillor K Cooke asked how the SLP would ensure long-term impact, particularly in areas like Skegness and Gainsborough, and how it would collaborate with other governance bodies to avoid duplication. Jade Thirlsby explained the SLP's approach to engaging with the voluntary sector and ensuring data-led insights inform timely action.

Councillor K W Bamford inquired about data sharing between partnerships and the implications of the Casey report¹ for Lincolnshire. Martin Parker confirmed that Lincolnshire had not seen sexual offending grooming profiling as described in the Casey report.

Councillor R J Whitaker sought clarification on the SLP's funding and project prioritisation. Martin Parker detailed the various funding sources and the process for allocating resources to specific initiatives.

Councillor M I C Christopher highlighted the importance of community engagement in addressing re-offending, particularly in the north of Lincoln. Councillor B L T Robinson suggested the use of a reporting app, similar to Country Eye in Kent, to enhance community safety and data collection.

The committee agreed to receive a follow-up report in 12 months' time on the progress made during the first year of the strategy.

Community Safety Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed and approved its work programme for 2025 and 2026. Tracy Johnson, Senior Scrutiny Officer, presented the draft work program, highlighting its balance of policy review, development, and performance monitoring. The program includes items for pre-decision scrutiny as appropriate.

Key items on the agenda for the next meeting on 22 July 2025, include:

• His Majesty's Senior Coroner Annual Report, including an update on the Greater Lincolnshire Coronial Service Merger.
• The Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Statement of Assurance for 2024/25.
• Trading Standards, Food Safety and Meteorology Activity for 2024/25.

Councillor J Smith suggested a visit to the Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Waddington Training Facility, potentially in conjunction with the item on the agenda for 31 March 2026.

The committee agreed to approve the planned work programme for 2025 and 2026, subject to the discussions and suggestions raised during the meeting.