The Overview and Scrutiny Performance Board (OSPB) met on Friday, 12 December 2025, to discuss the Worcestershire County Council Community Safety Update Report. The meeting covered a wide range of community safety issues, including trading standards, drugs and alcohol, domestic abuse, counter-terrorism, and youth services.

Worcestershire County Council Community Safety Update Report

The OSPB reviewed the annual update on community safety initiatives across Worcestershire. The report highlighted significant activity in several key areas:

Trading Standards

The Trading Standards team has been actively tackling illegal tobacco and vaping products, leading to the removal of substantial quantities from the market. They have also issued closure orders against five persistently offending premises. In addition to this, the team has been involved in initiatives to combat doorstep crime, with rapid responses and neighbourhood interventions aimed at protecting vulnerable residents. A project focusing on the Tenant Fees Act has resulted in the recouping of nearly £25,000 in financial penalties from eight letting agents found to be in breach of regulations.

Drugs and Alcohol

Worcestershire's Drug and Alcohol Strategy, aligned with the government's 10-year plan, focuses on prevention, treatment, and recovery. The report detailed increased rates of treatment access and sustained engagement following prison release. A new initiative, Hope UK, has been commissioned to train professionals working with young people on effective drug and alcohol interventions. The integrated treatment service, delivered by Cranstoun, has seen a significant increase in engagement, with 3,174 people accessing treatment between October 2024 and September 2025. Enhanced treatment options for Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST), including the rollout of Buvidal, have been implemented. The Individual Placement and Support (IPS) service has also supported 39 individuals into employment in its first year.

Harm Reduction Services

Harm reduction services, commissioned from Cranstoun and Maggs, focus on minimising the risks associated with addiction. These services include the distribution of needle and syringe kits, the provision of Naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses, and nurse and recovery worker-led outreach to connect individuals with wider health services.

Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)

VAWG has been recognised as a national emergency, with a specific overview provided in Appendix 1 of the report. Domestic abuse is a prevalent issue, with estimates suggesting that fewer than half of victims report incidents to the police. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 has strengthened protections for victims, and Worcestershire has a commissioned Domestic Abuse Advice and Support Service (DAASS) delivered by West Mercia Women's Aid. A new community DAASS has also been launched to embed specialists within local communities. The report highlighted challenges within the criminal justice system regarding domestic abuse cases, including low conviction rates and delays. A Family Court Pathfinder pilot has been introduced to streamline private law children's cases involving domestic abuse.

Counter Terrorism Strategy – CONTEST

The UK Government's counterterrorism strategy, CONTEST, outlines local authorities' responsibilities in preventing radicalisation and strengthening community preparedness. The Council's Emergency Planning and Business Continuity Team leads on the 'Prepare' element, ensuring contingency plans are in place. The 'Prevent' duty involves countywide efforts to prevent individuals from becoming involved in terrorism, with a focus on early intervention and rehabilitation. Worcestershire was selected to pilot an approach to review cases presenting concerning behaviours that do not meet the statutory threshold for Channel panels. The 'Protect' element, influenced by Martyn's Law, requires venues to strengthen security against terrorism, with the Council developing plans to align all its buildings with these requirements. Public Access Trauma (PAcT) kits have been distributed to key venues to enhance community preparedness.

Youth Services

The Council has a statutory duty to ensure access to a sufficient quantity of youth services. Public Health leads on youth work activity, allocating funding to district councils and directly to youth providers. The report highlighted that approximately 1000 young people regularly attended Public Health funded youth activity in 2024/25, an 11% increase from the previous year. A significant proportion of these young people are from less affluent communities, and 20% have a self-reported Special Educational Need or Disability. The Community Safety team, in partnership with the PCC, distributes youth wellbeing grants to community organisations to engage young people in positive activities that prevent crime and anti-social behaviour. The rate of First Time Entrants into the Youth Justice System in Worcestershire has dropped by 17% since 2022, contrasting with an increase in the West Midlands region.

Reducing Reoffending

Activity to reduce reoffending is integrated across various workstreams, particularly in drug and alcohol services, where close partnership working between treatment services and prisons has improved engagement. The Reducing Reoffending Board focuses on supporting individuals who have committed offences, with a dedicated working group addressing accommodation, substance misuse, and finances – the three needs most strongly linked to reoffending.

Scrutiny Chairmen and Lead Member Update, Work Programme and Cabinet Forward Plan

The Board also reviewed updates from Scrutiny Chairmen and Lead Members, the OSPB Work Programme, and the Cabinet Forward Plan. The discussion highlighted the importance of communication between Members and the need to prioritise scrutiny investigations based on council priorities, local impact, and potential for improvement. The Cabinet Forward Plan was also considered, with potential future agenda items identified.