Agenda item

Report of the Director of Transformation and Partnerships.

The Chair introduced the Corporate Scrutiny and Performance Manager, Tom Gorman who was in attendance to speak to Members in relation to the Quarter Four 2018/19 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, with the key performance indicators (KPIs) being set out against the key performance questions (KPQs): how effective are we at tackling crime and disorder; how effective are we at tackling anti-social behaviour; how well do we reduce misuse of drugs and alcohol; how well do we tackle abuse of vulnerable people, including domestic abuse, child sexual exploitation and radicalisation; and how do we keep our environment safe, including roads and waterways.

It was noted that the key performance issues in terms of crime and disorder, with an increase in the total crime rate or eight percent, reminding Members of the workshop session on Recorded Crime that had taken place, led by Chief Superintendent A Green.  The Corporate Scrutiny and Performance Manager noted that the increase could comprise of three elements: as a consequence of national changes in recording; victims of crime having an increased confidence in reporting; and an actual increase in the number of incidents.  He added that for County Durham, there had been an increase in violence against the person, without injury.  It was noted this harassment had previously been categorised as anti-social behaviour (ASB), now being recorded as crime. 

The Corporate Scrutiny and Performance Manager explained that there had been an increase in the number of theft offences, including shoplifting, with this being an issue identified within the Committee’s work programme.  He added that there had been an increase in metal theft, with Members asked to recall the work undertaken by a Working Group of the Committee in 2012. 

He noted that domestic violence had increased, and while an element could be increased confidence in reporting, it would be useful to drill down into the issue, with the Criminal Justice Programme Lead having noted that she could come back to Committee with further information relating to performance.

The Corporate Scrutiny and Performance Manager reminded Members of the Crime Survey undertaken by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), measuring how well respondents thought the Council and Police were dealing with ASB and crime in the local area.  It was noted that this had reduced from 61.3 percent to 50.3 percent when compared to the previous year.  Members noted that the similar measure, the Police alone tackling crime and ASB, showed a very high confidence in their activities.

The Corporate Scrutiny and Performance Manager noted that in terms of drug offences, these remained relatively low, though with an increase of 14 percent, with possession offences showing the greatest increase over the longer term.

Members noted that in relation to the Drug and Alcohol Service there had been increasing levels of performance, with two of the three targets now being met.  It was explained that the one target not being met was the percentage of successful completions of drug treatment for opiate users.  It was noted that in terms of opioid prescriptions, the North East had the highest rates in the country, even after accounting for factors such as age and deprivation.  The Corporate Scrutiny and Performance Manager noted he had asked Public Health to speak to Members as regards the prescription issue when next at Committee.

The Corporate Scrutiny and Performance Manager concluded by noting that in relation to road safety statistics, there was an overall decreasing trend in terms of fatalities.

The Chair thanked the Corporate Scrutiny and Performance Manager and asked Members for their comments and questions.

Councillor R Crute noted the statistic relating to hate crime as set out on page 54 of the report, an increase of a quarter over the last four years.  He asked if this was a case of more confidence in reporting, or whether there was a genuine increase in these crimes.  He noted that paragraph 13 of the report set out information as regards a six-month pilot as regards twice weekly MARACs and asked if the result of this could be reported back to Committee as regards its impact.  

The Chair noted anecdotal evidence of an increase in Class A drugs, with many more incidents being reported adding he felt it was an issue that needed to be tackled.  Councillor E Mavin agreed with the Chair, noting it appeared to be far too easy for people to be able to get hold of such drugs.  The Chair added he felt this perceived increase could be an element in terms of the increase in drug related ASB.  Councillor B Avery noted he agreed with the Chair and Councillor E Mavin and had raised the issue at local Police and Communities Together (PACT) meetings. 

The Chair noted that certain types of reoffending were increasing and noted while some out of court disposals and programmes, such as Checkpoint, worked with some individuals, there was a cohort of hardcore offenders.  He added that being able to tackle those individuals was a great concern to Councillors as community leaders.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.