Agenda and minutes

There were no items on the agenda.

Councillor Cobby declared that she worked with the Voluntary Sector to prevent violence again women and girls.

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 27^th October 2022, be agreed and signed as a correct record.

[A period not exceeding 20 minutes for statements from up to 5 members of the public on matters within the Committee’s remit, proposing action(s) which may be considered or contribute towards the future development of the Committee’s work programme].

There were no public statements made.

The Panel received a presentation to accompany the report circulated with the agenda, providing an update on:

·         Crime and antisocial behaviour data;

·         Safer Stronger Doncaster Partnership (SSDP) priorities;

·         Safety for women and girls in Doncaster;

·         Safer Streets;  and

·         Cost of living – impact on crime and disorder.

The following areas were addressed in detail:

Tackling domestic and sexual abuse

Young people and early signs of domestic abuse - with regard to conversations with young people on how to spot the dangers in relationships it was explained that further work with schools had been undertaken and additionally the Safer Streets team were providing information on anti-social behaviour and knife crime.

In response to a Member’s question relating to whether information engagement was being undertaken with female football teams, particularly due to the expansion and increase in numbers playing, the Head of Service for Communities Safer Stronger explained that he would need to investigate and provide the information following the meeting.

With regard to survivors of domestic abuse and moving on in life, it was explained that the survivor liaison services were undertaking incredible work and positive benefits were being identified through case studies but with regard to longer term progress further statistical work was required.

It was noted that South Yorkshire Police would track repeat victims to identify the risks.  It was stressed that that the “Right to Ask” and “Right to know” schemes required further publication so people were able to access information about their partners or ex-partners previous abuse or violent offending.

Accommodation for people seeking a safe place to live – further work following the meeting was required on the number of St Leger Homes properties available for this purpose therefore the Head of Service for Communities Safer Stronger would provide the information following the meeting.  It was confirmed that local authorities held links to secure out of area provision however, it was acknowledged that it was challenging for all providers due to the current shortfall in social housing provision. 

Perpetrator programme – with regard to the success rate the Head of Service for Communities Safer Stronger would provide the information following the meeting.

Reducing anti-social behaviour – with regard to the “Real Help Scheme” it was explained that it provided funding for homelessness people and was hoped that this scheme would be equally as successful as the previous.  The Head of Service for Communities Safer Stronger would provide the information following the meeting.

City Centre – the Chair outlined that there had been a number of anti-social behavioural issues in the town centre following lockdown easing.  It was noted that work was ongoing with visibility maintained through City Centre Ambassadors.  Discussions with other local authorities had been undertaken with diversionary activity ideas including a presence provided by St Johns Ambulance and the Territorial Army who provided a climbing wall through the summer months. 

It was also noted that there had been a footfall increase in the City Centre both with retail and the night time economy.

Tackling  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38.

The Senior Governance Officer presented the Overview and Scrutiny Work Plan and Council’s Forward Plan of Key Decisions.  She reminded the Panel that if there were any items they wished to put forward for inclusion on the Scrutiny Work Plan for 2023/24, to forward them to herself and the Chair.

RESOLVED:  That the information, be noted..