To receive an update report from the Rt. Hon.Frank Field MP on the anti-social behaviour and public spend analysis.

The Chair indicated that a series of work was to follow on anti-social behaviour and public spend analysis.

Councillor P Davies indicated that the Chief Executive , Mr Eric Robinson was very supportive of targeting resources based on need and was very receptive to this approach. Spend would be much more targeted on Birkenhead especially in relation ASB.

To receive a verbal report.

The Committee received an update on the data and the action plan in relation to anti-social behaviour (ASB) from Mr Tony Kinsella, Independent Consultant.

In response to a question from the Chair and Members, Mr Kinsella indicated that there may be problems with reporting systems (e.g. Community Patrol System do not have a case management system to record and manage ASB) and residents tolerance levels (e.g. Birkenhead) as to why there was such a low figure; intelligence was used to target services and activities to tackle ASB.

In relation to the high number of sexual violence reported, Mr Kinsella indicated that he would reported back to Members as to whether this classed as domestic violence and also the age profiles of those reporting the incidents.

Mr Kinsella indicated that meetings were being held with representatives from Fire, Police and Magenta Living to discuss their budgets and how it’s allocated for tackling ASB.

The Chair commented that the budget allocation for tackling ASB was less than satisfactory with a totally unfair distribution for Birkenhead. He suggested that when new money became available the Committee could look at 3/4 hotspots and consult with partners to see how together, ASB in particular gangs hanging around businesses and shops could be tackled.

Mr Mark Camborne from the Anti-Social Behaviour Unit indicated that in relation to similar project such as the Troubled Families, figures had not been produced; therefore it was unknown what affect these had, had on reducing crime figures.

A Member indicated that although the Council had limited resources, the budget had been set and money allocated to each of the constituency committees; these allocations would be reviewed to ensure that each committee received adequate resources for their needs.

A Member stressed the importance of all partners sharing the same data set and pooling resources to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Mr Paul Griffiths, McDonalds Restaurants commented that the figures reported were only a snapshot of what was really happening in Birkenhead. In response to a question from the Chair, Mr Griffiths indicated that he reported less 10% of the incidents, but paid tribute to the police for their fantastic response to those incidents staff had reported.

Sergeant Mike Brunskill urged Members and members of the public to reports all incidents of ASB, this helped the Police to shape their service provision to where it was needed.

The Chair requested that further information be provided on the data surrounding ASB and the Council’s strategy to support this important issue.

RESOLVED:

That the update on Anti-Social Behaviour be noted.