To review the application of antisocial behaviour enforcement, with particular reference to people thought to be rough sleeping, and to review the Council’s underpinning enforcement policies.

The Executive Director Sustainable City had submitted a report which detailed the findings of the review into the application of antisocial behaviour enforcement, with particular reference to people thought to be rough sleeping, and to review the Council’s underpinning enforcement policies.

Cllr Hayes, Board Member for Community Safety reminded the Board that the report resulted from a Council motion in October 2017 requesting the CEB to review the process of issuing Community Protection Notices. A senior officer review of the 5 cases in 2016 and 2017 against rough sleepers found that in all cases the Council’s policies in respect of these matters had been followed appropriately. The report before the Board had been preceded by cross-party talks. He was pleased that Scrutiny Committee had accepted the report and had been pleased to respond positively to its two recommendations. He went on to reaffirm the Council’s absolute commitment, as a caring and compassionate authority,  never to act in a punitive way against people by simple virtue of the fact of  their being either homeless or rough sleepers.

Cllr Rowley, Board Member for Housing, echoed the comments of Cllr Hayes and drew attention to the fact that the Council’s approach required officers to take the lowest form of intervention possible when dealing with such cases.

Cllr Price, Board Member for Corporate Strategy and Economic Development

 Thought this was a good and thorough report but it would be helpful to see greater clarity about when the recommendations would  be taken  forward and completed by and that Members should have the opportunity to engage with the subsequent proposals. Cllr Hayes confirmed that there would be such opportunities and the Executive Director for the Sustainable City confirmed that the necessary work was already well underway.

The City Executive Board resolved to:

1.         Endorse the report, including the findings of the Community Protection Notice Review and Cross-Party Panel; and

2.         Authorise the Head of Community Services, in consultation with the Board Member for Community Safety, to update the Antisocial Behaviour Policy and Antisocial Behaviour Procedures in line with the recommendations made.