The Communities and Public Protection Scrutiny Committee of Waltham Forest Council met on Wednesday 19 November 2025. The committee received reports on specialist services for Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), the Violence Reduction and Community Safety Summer Plan, and the ongoing scrutiny work of the council. The committee noted these reports and discussed potential future agenda items and actions.

Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Specialist Services

The committee received a report appraising them of the specialist services commissioned and delivered by Waltham Forest Council for individuals who have experienced or are at risk of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). The report highlighted the borough's role in implementing innovative VAWG models and programmes, noting that the council has been recognised as a leader in this area. The committee reviewed the proposed contingency plan for maintaining critical support to VAWG survivors following potential future service reductions due to funding challenges. The report detailed the current specialist service provision, including advocacy and therapeutic support, and the Waltham Forest Model, which aims to prevent and intervene early in VAWG. The committee acknowledged the financial climate and the need to prioritise and work effectively with partners to prevent VAWG and support survivors.

Violence Reduction and Community Safety Summer Plan and Safer Streets 2025

The committee reviewed the Violence Reduction and Community Safety Summer Plan and Safer Streets 2025 Summary of Activity Report. This report detailed the collaborative activities undertaken by the council, police, and partners over the summer to enhance community safety. It highlighted a four-year low in average weekly serious violence offences during the summer period, with offences involving under-18s showing a significant reduction. The plan was data-informed and focused on five key themes: Youth Spaces, Travel Hubs, Parks, Fast Food Places, and Partnership Working. The report detailed the intended outcomes and the positive impact of these activities, particularly on young people. Lessons learned from the summer plan included the effectiveness of youth engagement in familiar settings, the need for stronger follow-up with businesses, the importance of visible patrols, and the need to address gaps in voluntary sector provision in the north of the borough. The committee noted the report and was asked to make recommendations to strengthen future seasonal plans and partnership working.

The Scrutiny Report

The committee reviewed the Forward Plan for the ongoing municipal year and discussed future items for the committee's work programme. They were invited to review and comment on the Action Tracker and the Recommendations Tracker, which capture actions and recommendations made by the committee at previous meetings and provide updates on their progress. The committee noted the report and discussed potential future agenda items, including Community Cohesion and Interfaith and Electric Bikes and Mopeds (regulation and safety). The Scrutiny Officer was tasked with checking the status of ongoing items and adding new potential items to the forward plan.