The Environment, Community Safety and Engagement Scrutiny Commission met on Wednesday 26 November 2025 to discuss a comprehensive review of community safety in Southwark, alongside an in-depth examination of play space provision across the borough. Key decisions and discussions focused on implementing a new community safety model, enhancing playground facilities, and integrating play space development within regeneration schemes.

Community Safety Review

The commission received an update on the findings and implementation of an independent review of community safety in Southwark. The review identified eight core challenges, including a need for greater strategic clarity, underuse of data, low visibility of the community safety team's role, siloed working, insufficient focus on prevention, unclear roles among statutory partners, difficulties balancing borough-wide themes with local needs, and a lack of learning from other councils' models.

In response, a new service model for community safety has been developed, aiming for A safer Southwark where crime is low, people feel safe, and trust is built through action. This model is built around neighbourhood delivery, hotspot intervention, integrated community safety and enforcement, intelligence-led prioritisation, and prevention-focused engagement. Progress has been made in updating area plans, expanding community wardens' powers, and developing ward and hotspot dashboards. Specific initiatives include increased visible patrols, nighttime patrolling services, and enhanced enforcement powers for environmental crimes. The council is also considering the implementation of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) to tackle persistent anti-social behaviour. The commission noted the findings and the development of the emerging service model, with work underway to refine tactical and operational coordination with partners.

Play Space Scrutiny Review

The commission undertook a detailed review of play space provision, examining it from multiple angles: planning and regeneration, and the operational delivery by the Housing and Environment, Sustainability & Leisure Directorates.

Planning and Regeneration's Role in Play Space Provision

The commission was briefed on the progress of the Open Space Needs Assessment (OSNA), a statutory requirement that will inform the updated Southwark Plan. The OSNA aims to identify current and future needs for open space, assess deficits and surpluses in quantity, quality, and accessibility, and guide land use decisions. Key outputs will include a comprehensive assessment of open space boundaries, identification of gaps in provision, and a Green Infrastructure strategy. Completion of the OSNA and Green Infrastructure strategy is expected by Spring 2026.

The report also detailed how regeneration schemes contribute to the provision and upgrade of playgrounds, primarily through Section 106 obligations. Residential developments are required to provide a minimum of 10 square metres of play space per child. If on-site provision is not feasible, financial contributions can be made to enhance nearby public open or play spaces. The principles of Secured By Design and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) are considered in the design of play areas. The report highlighted that since 2022, 22,633 sqm of play space has been delivered through approved planning applications, with further significant provision outlined in Table 2 of the report. Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) also supports play area refurbishment, with £1.043m allocated for named playgrounds and £250,000 for housing estate playgrounds. Bramcote Park was presented as a case study for how regeneration can support play areas, with co-designed renovations planned for early and late 2026. The OSNA is expected to have a positive community impact by ensuring accessible, safe, and inclusive spaces, aligning with the Southwark 2030 Strategy's commitment to clean, green environments.

Comparison of Play Space Delivery by Housing and Environment, Sustainability & Leisure Directorates

A briefing paper compared the spending and service provision for play spaces managed by the Housing Directorate and the Environment, Sustainability & Leisure Directorate. The Environment, Sustainability & Leisure Directorate manages 61 play sites with an annual budget of £465,000, while the Housing Directorate manages 204 play sites with a budget of £289,200. The Environment, Sustainability & Leisure Directorate has a dedicated Small Works Team, whereas the Housing Directorate relies more heavily on external contractors due to capacity constraints.

Both directorates adhere to British Standard EN 1176 for play space standards. However, the Environment, Sustainability & Leisure Directorate has established Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for monthly inspections and job completion, which are regularly monitored. The Housing Directorate is in the process of implementing a new system to track inspections and develop KPIs. There is ongoing work to explore opportunities for collaboration, including the potential for jointly commissioning annual independent playground inspections and sharing insights from other councils. Initiatives are also underway to improve data and insight into the condition of play assets, with the Environment, Sustainability & Leisure Directorate developing an inventory of individual playground assets.

Work Programme

The commission noted the work programme for 2025-26, which outlines upcoming reviews and topics for consideration. Key items include the Streets for People zoning consultation, reports on fly-tipping and recycling rates, an update on the Climate Emergency strategy, and further discussions on community safety. The programme also includes interviews with various Cabinet Members and Deputy Cabinet Members. The commission was invited to consider the addition of new items or the allocation of previously identified items to specific meeting dates.

Previous Meeting Minutes and Scrutiny Review Proposals

The minutes from the meeting held on 16 July 2025 were agreed as an accurate record. The commission also reviewed a Scrutiny Review Scoping Proposal Form for a review titled Play space – ensuring Southwark has sufficient good quality and accessible play spaces for all children and young people. This review aims to address variable quality, inclusive design for girls and disabled children, adequacy of associated facilities, and the link between play space provision and community safety. The review will also examine the impact of regeneration schemes and relevant planning policies.