Agenda item

Report of the Director of Transformation and Partnerships.

The Chairman introduced the Corporate Scrutiny and Performance Manager, Tom Gorman who was in attendance to speak to Members in relation to the Quarter 4 2017/18 Performance Management Report for the Altogether Safer theme (for copy see file of minutes).

The Corporate Scrutiny and Performance Manager referred Members to the report and noted key performance positives, including a reduction in anti-social behaviour (ASB), noting many instances of what would have been reported previously as ASB were now being recorded as crime and a reduction in the number of first time entrants to the Youth Justice System.

It was noted that the key performance issues with a reduction in performance included: an increase in the crime rate (reported), noting 3 possible reasons: changes in recording rules, including ASB as mentioned; increased confidence in reporting, which was encouraging in respect of tackling issues such as hate crime, domestic abuse and sexual violence; and also a possible actual increase in some areas of crime, for example arson as discussed by Members at a specific meeting.

The Overview and Scrutiny Officer noted he would explain at the Work Programme item as regards a session to look specifically at crime recording.

The Corporate Scrutiny and Performance Manager noted that alcohol and drug treatment performance was improving, with more completions and being better than the north east average.  It was added that while the number of opiate user completions was now at the national average there was some further improvements required to meet the targets set.  Members were reminded that the Committee had previously received information as regards the new partner, DISC, who began delivery in February. 

The Committee noted that in terms of those killed or seriously injured (KSI) in road traffic incidents, the number of fatalities had reduced, however, the number of those seriously injured had increased.  Members were informed of the new recording system, CRASH (Collision Recording And SHaring), and that this was a potential area for review activity.

The Chairman thanked the Corporate Scrutiny and Performance Manager and noted that while there were not high numbers of KSIs, it was important to have the figures of those killed and seriously injured separate.

Councillor R Crute noted in terms of crime reporting figures, that some local concerns raised in terms of the perception of crime suggested that the issue warranted further consideration.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.