Agenda item

Safer Streets Fund Round 4 - 2022-23

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

KEY DECISION

 

That the Executive:

 

a)    Approved the implementation of the Safer Streets Round 4 projects, using the funding award as detailed in this report and appendices.

 

b)    Delegated authority to the Executive Member Housing Communities and Levelling Up, in conjunction with the Executive Director Adults, Communities and Wellbeing, to take any necessary action to ensure these projects are implemented.

 

 

 

Reason for Recommendations: To ensure the funding available from the 2022/23 Safer Streets Funding programme is invested as set out in the Funding Agreements and the projects delivered as set out in this report.

 

Alternative Options Considered:

 

a)    The Council was not duty-bound to apply to the Safer Streets Fund or confirm support for the OPF&CC bids. However, it would have presented a significant missed opportunity to secure Government funding for making improvements to localities suffering significant crime.

 

b)    The Council could also have rejected the Home Office’s offer of grant funding for the William Knibb/All Saints project, and or withdraw our support for the Queensway one. Both bids had a high level of work from officers in terms of preparations and such rejections and withdrawal could impact negatively on the Council’s reputation both as a responsible partner organisation in the community safety partnership, and as the unitary authority responsible for the project areas.

 

Minutes:

The Chair invited Cllr Matthew Binley, Executive Member for Housing, Communities and Levelling-up to introduce a report that sought approval for the implementation of the Safer Streets Round 4 projects for William Knibb and All Saints, Kettering; and Queensway, Wellingborough following a funding award from central government.

 

Cllr Binley noted that the proposed projects were designed to support the local community to tackle crime and Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) in neighbourhoods disproportionately affected by both based on information provided from police and crime prevention officers.

 

It was heard that the layout and structure of certain estates could cause issues relating to crime and ASB, with proposed alley-gating and CCTV installation potentially eliminating this aspect. In addition, vulnerable residents would be provided with home security packs and target hardening; and there would be provision and improvement of facilities and amenities to divert young people away from crime.  

 

It was heard that the Council was a key delivery partner in Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner’s (OPFCC) funding bid, with the Council managing the CCTV elements, outdoor gym equipment provision and enhancements to a local bike track in Wellingborough, totalling £285,000. Delivery of the projects would be ongoing to September 2023. Cllr Binley offered his thanks to the OPFCC for their support with the funding bid.

 

The Chair, Cllr Jason Smithers, welcomed the report noting the importance of residents being able to feel safe in their community and the input of the OFPCC and the power of partnership working.

 

Cllrs Pentland, Lawman and Harrison all spoke in support of the report and the projects detailed within it, with Cllr Harrison noting that the funding had wider potential than just preventing crime and ASB, with the opportunity to improve the health and wellbeing for residents as another outcome of the projects.

 

 

RESOLVED

 

KEY DECISION

 

That the Executive:

 

a)    Approved the implementation of the Safer Streets Round 4 projects, using the funding award as detailed in this report and appendices.

 

b)    Delegated authority to the Executive Member Housing Communities and Levelling Up, in conjunction with the Executive Director Adults, Communities and Wellbeing, to take any necessary action to ensure these projects are implemented.

 

 

 

Reason for Recommendations: To ensure the funding available from the 2022/23 Safer Streets Funding programme is invested as set out in the Funding Agreements and the projects delivered as set out in this report.

 

Alternative Options Considered:

 

a)    The Council was not duty-bound to apply to the Safer Streets Fund or confirm support for the OPF&CC bids. However, it would have presented a significant missed opportunity to secure Government funding for making improvements to localities suffering significant crime.

 

b)    The Council could also have rejected the Home Office’s offer of grant funding for the William Knibb/All Saints project, and or withdraw our support for the Queensway one. Both bids had a high level of work from officers in terms of preparations and such rejections and withdrawal could impact negatively on the Council’s reputation both as a responsible partner organisation in the community safety partnership, and as the unitary authority responsible for the project areas.

 

Supporting documents: