The Torbay Council Overview and Scrutiny Board met to discuss the annual update from the Safer Torbay Community Safety Partnership, focusing on their strategic plan and key priorities. The board reviewed the partnership's achievements, challenges, and future plans, particularly concerning domestic abuse, sexual offences, and anti-social behaviour. The Board approved the Annual Update from the Safer Torbay Community Safety Partnership.

Safer Torbay Community Safety Partnership Annual Update

The Board reviewed the Annual Update from the Safer Torbay Community Safety Partnership, a group working to reduce crime and improve community safety in Torbay¹. The update covered the partnership's strategic plan, key priorities, and performance over the past year.

Alan Denby, representing the Safer Torbay Community Safety Partnership, presented the report. Key areas of focus included:

• Strategic Priorities: The partnership's main goals are to tackle domestic abuse, reduce sexual offences, and address anti-social behaviour.
• Performance: The report highlighted achievements, challenges, and ongoing initiatives.
• Future Plans: The partnership outlined its plans for the coming year, including specific projects and targets.

Councillor Darren Cowell, Leader of the Independent Group, Scrutiny Lead for Housing, Finance, Corporate and Place Based Services, Shadow Deputy Leader of the Cabinet and Shadow Cabinet Member for Housing and Finance, asked about the increase in recorded sexual offences. Alan Denby explained that while the numbers had increased, this was partly due to improved reporting and a focus on victim support. He added that the partnership was working to address the root causes of these crimes and provide better support for victims.

Councillor Cat Johns, Scrutiny Lead for Adults, Community Services, Public Health and Inequalities, raised concerns about the impact of anti-social behaviour on residents' quality of life. Alan Denby responded that the partnership was working with the police and other agencies to tackle anti-social behaviour hotspots and support vulnerable individuals who may be involved.

The Board approved the Annual Update from the Safer Torbay Community Safety Partnership.