Agenda and minutes

There were no disclosable pecuniary interests.

(a)  To agree the minutes of the Cabinet Member (Policing and Equalities) meeting held on 27^th February 2025.

(b)  Matters arising

The minutes of the meeting held on 27^th February 2025 were agreed and signed as a true record.

Report of the Director of Law and Governance

The Cabinet Member for Policing and Equalities considered a report of the Director of Law and Governance, which sought approval to renew the Public Spaces Protection Order for St Michael’s and surrounding areas.

In 2019 a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) was created for St Michael’s Ward and the surrounding areas.  The Order was granted following public consultation that was overwhelmingly in favour of the Order being granted.  The matter was discussed by the Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee at its meeting on 11^th June 2019.  The Order was subsequently renewed in 2022.

The original reason for the Order being sought was in response to the serious instances of public place violence witnessed in the city and criminal exploitation of young people.  Tackling public place and serious youth violence remained a key priority for the Council and partners and it was felt that this Order plays an important part in trying to address this and make people feel safer in their communities.

Significant resources had been allocated to address matters, both regionally and locally.  Whilst there appeared to be a reduction in visible “postcode gangs”, it was believed that many young people were still vulnerable to criminal exploitation, particularly around the drugs trade and, rather than be in street gangs, they were more likely to be involved in Organised Crime Groups.  These groups often used violent methods to protect the areas they operate in and to deter others.

In recent times, an increase in violent incidents had been seen in the areas the Order is applicable to.  Whilst it was acknowledged that a PSPO would not tackle these issues on its own, it was a tool for Police Officers to use.  PSPOs were useful in that they could be used proactively for situations where officers have a concern that matters might get out of hand, people can be directed to disperse from an area rather than having to wait for an actual criminal offence to occur, which would involve additional resources and public expenditure.

Details of crime statistics for St Michael’s Ward were appended to the report submitted, although it was noted that all potential criminal acts addressed or deterred by the use of the Order would not occur solely in St Michael’s Ward as gangs also carried out criminal acts elsewhere in the city  and outside of the city boundaries.

The Order is an “informed order”, meaning that someone would be informed that there is an order in place and that their behaviour was unacceptable.  Should they accept an officer’s instruction and disperse, there would be no further action taken.  Should they refuse to disperse and leave the area, that would be a breach of the Order.  Police colleagues now record their use of PSOP’s and their interactions with the public on body worn cameras and, as such, if people have a complaint regarding the use of the powers, this could be assessed.

The Cabinet Member noted that there is currently an IT issue that means current information regarding the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31.

Report of the Director of Law and Governance

To consider the following two petitions:

Petition 17-24 – St Michael’s Ward: Petition to Improve the Quality of the Environment and Life in the Swan Lane Catchment Area

To consider the above petition bearing 52 signatures.  The petition has been sponsored by Councillor N Akhtar, a St Michael’s Ward Councillor, who has been invited to the meeting for the consideration of this item along with the petition organiser.

Petition e10/24 – Anti Social Behaviour in Hillfields

To consider the above petition bearing 84 signatures.  The petition has been sponsored by Councillor S Jobbar, a St Michael’s Ward Councillor, who has been invited to the meeting for the consideration of this item along with the petition organiser.

The Cabinet Member for Policing and Equalities considered a report of the Director of Law and Governance, which responded to petitions seeking to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Hillfields.

Officers had reviewed the action taken by the City Council and the Police to address the issues raised by the petitioners.  Over the past 4 years a number of initiatives had been run using a partnership approach to tackle issues of crime and ASB in Hillfields. Most recently Citizen and Coventry City Council partnered to improve outcomes and the physical environment for residents in the St. Michael's ward, with a specific focus on the Hillfields area.

Taking a partnership approach with the local Police team, social landlords and other agencies worked together to address a number of issues. This included work to reduce the risk of sexual exploitation for women and a coordinated and sustained disruption approach to known criminal offenders within the area. The partners shared local intelligence and utilised tools such as Community Protection Notices, Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) and Stop and Search to reduce ASB activity.

It was noted that redeployable cameras have been installed in fly-tipping hotspots, including Hillfields. These cameras have helped reduce fly-tipping by capturing evidence for legal action. While their main purpose is to monitor fly-tipping, they also record other crimes. Residents are encouraged to report crime issues to 101 or 999 in emergencies.

There are scheduled programs for street cleansing, with Hillfields receiving more frequent cleaning than other areas of the city. There is also a contracted weed removal service scheduled twice a year.

The Council acknowledged that public space drinking impacts safety perceptions but it cannot prohibit street alcohol consumption or fine individuals for it. Excessive alcohol consumption leads to crime and ASB. To tackle this, the Council has introduced PSPOs.  The City-Wide PSPO empowers Police to confiscate alcohol from street drinkers in certain circumstances, allowing early intervention to prevent intoxication-related ASB. Additionally, specific powers enable Police action against groups involved in crime and ASB in Hillfields. To determine the effectiveness in Hillfields, the use of these powers is currently being monitored by the City Tasking Group on behalf of the Coventry Community Safety Partnership.

The Council recognised the importance of providing comprehensive activities for children during school holidays. In Coventry, the Council offers the Coventry Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme, a national initiative by the Department for Education. This programme allows eligible children and young people to participate in free activities and experiences, with complimentary meals included. The scheme operates in the Hillfields area and is promoted to children and parents through communications with local schools.

In addition, the Coventry Community Safety Partnership supports the delivery of the Steps Together Programme in Hillfields, an after-school chaperone programme, to ensure children have a safe route home from secondary school.  Within Hillfields, a regular programme of activities is also provided by the Positive Youth Foundation through the Hillfields Young Peoples Centre. These  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.

There are no outstanding issues

There were no outstanding issues.

To consider any other items of business which the Cabinet Member decides to take as a matter of urgency because of the special circumstances involved.

There were no other items of business.