Agenda and minutes

The evacuation procedure was noted.

There were no interests declared.

To approve the minutes of the last meeting held on 28 November 2024.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the Community Safety Select Committee meeting which was held on 28 November 2024 for approval and signature.

AGREED that the minutes of the Committee meeting held on 28 November 2024 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To consider information from the following organisations in relation to this scrutiny topic:

·         Business Forums / Groups

·         SBC Adults, Health and Wellbeing

The fifth evidence-gathering session for the Committee’s ongoing review of Welcoming and Safe Town Centres considered views on this scrutiny topic from local business forums / groups, as well as further information from the Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council (SBC) Adults, Health and Wellbeing directorate.

BUSINESS FORUMS / GROUPS

The lead representatives of established business groups in Norton, Stockton, and Yarm had been approached to seek responses on town centre environments (note: the Committee had been previously advised that there were no such arrangements in Billingham, Ingleby Barwick, and Thornaby).  Received submissions were considered as follows:

·         Stockton Business Improvement District (BID): The Manager of Stockton BID was in attendance and gave a summary of its responses to the Committee’s lines of enquiry.  With reference to a prepared report which reflected on the current challenges and shared the progress Stockton BID had made in creating a vibrant, thriving Stockton town centre, attention was drawn to the following:

o   Challenges: Reports of anti-social behaviour (ASB), theft, and public nuisance remained persistent issues in Stockton town centre (people sleeping rough was also raised).  Businesses frequently shared concerns about individuals living with addiction using public spaces inappropriately, leaving needles, and engaging in disruptive behaviour.  These incidents negatively impacted public perception, creating a sense of unease for visitors and affecting footfall.

In 2024 alone, Stockton BID recorded 651 incidents (including shoplifting and theft), with hotspots such as Wellington Square seeing repeated high-value losses.  Violence, though less frequent, remained a concern, with 2.92% of incidents involving physical assaults on staff.  These issues directly affected the morale of business owners and employees, further compounding the challenge of creating a welcoming environment.

o   Initiatives to address safety: Enforcement officers played a critical role in maintaining order and cleanliness within the town centre.  Despite facing significant adversity, they worked tirelessly to address ASB, littering, fly-tipping, and the ongoing challenge of illegal parking (particularly around Dovecote Street).  Their efforts were vital in creating a safer, more organised environment for visitors and businesses alike.

Significant strides had been made through the introduction of the Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP).  By implementing the SentrySiS reporting system, businesses were now able to efficiently log incidents, creating a centralised approach to tackling crime.  Additionally, over 20 radios had been distributed to businesses, improving communication and real-time response to issues.  To support night-time economy businesses, Stockton BID had funded their membership to the ‘Shop Watch’ scheme, ensuring they had the tools they needed to operate safely.

Initially, the rollout of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) brought a noticeable improvement, but long-term solutions were essential.  Stockton BID emphasised compassionate approaches to addressing addiction-related behaviours, advocating for strategies that go beyond enforcement and work towards integration and support.

In partnership with funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Cleveland, Stockton BID launched the ‘Street Angels’ initiative.  This program provided on-the-ground support to individuals in the town centre, enhancing safety while fostering a sense of community care.  The Street Angels not only assisted in  ...  view the full minutes text for item CSS/38/24

Consideration was given to the minutes of the previously held Safer Stockton Partnership (SSP) meeting which took place in October 2024.

AGREED that the minutes of the Safer Stockton Partnership (SSP) meeting which took place in October 2024 be noted.

CHAIR’S UPDATE

The Chair had no further updates.

WORK PROGRAMME 2024-2025

Consideration was given to the Committee’s current work programme (2024-2025).  The next meeting was due to take place on 23 January 2025 where evidence-gathering would continue in relation to the ongoing review of Welcoming and Safe Town Centres, a key part of which would be input from the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector via Catalyst.  An item regarding duties to victims of domestic abuse was also anticipated.

AGREED that the Chair’s Update and Community Safety Select Committee Work Programme 2024-2025 be noted.