The Crime, Environment and Transport Scrutiny Commission of Newham Council met on Tuesday 15 October 2024 to review key strategies and operational models. Discussions were scheduled to cover the annual performance of the Newham Safety Partnership and the Serious Violence Duty, the implementation of the Newham Integrated Community Enforcement (NICE) model, and the development of the Youth Safety Strategy. The Commission also reviewed its work programme for the upcoming municipal year.

Annual Review of the Newham Safety Partnership and Serious Violence Duty Plan

The Commission was scheduled to review the Newham Safety Partnership (NSP) arrangements, planning, and performance for 2023/24, including its adherence to the Serious Violence Duty. The report was expected to provide an overview of the NSP's plan and priorities for the 2022-2025 period, with a focus on the annual review year. Key priorities for the NSP include Safety in Public Spaces (enhancing women's safety, tackling hate crime, and reducing anti-social behaviour), Violence and Victimisation (decreasing domestic abuse and violence against women and girls, combating serious violence, and tackling modern slavery and exploitation), and Neighbourhood Crime (reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in identified hotspots such as Stratford, East Ham, and Upton Park, and lowering reoffending rates). The report was also to include an update on the progress and outcomes of the Serious Violence Duty, which requires authorities to collaborate to combat serious violence. Additionally, a report from the Metropolitan Police Service regarding the use of stop and search, including its governance, assurance, and community engagement, was scheduled for discussion.

Introduction to the Newham Integrated Community Enforcement (NICE) Model

The Commission was set to review the Newham Integrated Community Enforcement (NICE) model, a new approach being piloted in the borough. The NICE model aims to drive collaboration, coordination, and communication between relevant Council teams and partners to address identified areas for improvement in community safety and enforcement. It seeks to establish a council-driven and partnership tasking and coordination process, promote data and insight-driven prevention and problem-solving, and support the strategic priorities of the Newham Safety Partnership. The model is based on good practice from the Royal Borough of Greenwich's 'Integrated Enforcement' model and will focus on public-facing activities such as high-visibility patrols, joint operations, temporary CCTV deployment, and community engagement. The report was expected to detail the NICE model's governance structure, initial priorities, and implementation progress.

Youth Safety Strategy

The Commission was scheduled to consider the development of Newham's draft Youth Safety Strategy. This strategy aims to reduce harm caused by youth violence and exploitation by addressing root causes and taking action against exploiters. It is built upon key findings, success metrics, outcomes, and recommendations from the Mayor of Newham's Youth Safety Board report. The strategy's proposed objectives include safeguarding children and young people, reducing victimisation from violence and exploitation, tackling racism and inequality, reducing re-offending, and creating safer spaces. The strategy's principles emphasise partnership working, early intervention, support and protection, tackling inequality, disruption and deterrence, and creating safer spaces. The report was expected to outline how the strategy aligns with the Council's Corporate Plan, the Violence Reduction Unit's strategies, the Metropolitan Police's approach, and national initiatives.

Work Programme

The Commission was scheduled to review and note its work programme for the municipal year 2024/2025. This programme outlines the main topics for consideration throughout the year, the purpose and scope of each topic, and the timeline for their consideration. The work plan is developed in consultation with relevant Council directorates and aims to identify key areas of focus for the Commission.