The Council is requested to approve the Community Safety Strategy as endorsed by the Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee:

Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee minute 18 (27/7/21) and the report attached.

The sixth item requiring approval was in relation to the Community Safety Strategy as endorsed by the Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee, at its meeting on 27 July, 2021.

Councillor Helen Cameron was asked by the Civic Mayor to move this item and she chose to speak to this confirming she was happy to work alongside other committees regarding cross cutting themes. This was seconded by Councillor Chris Spriggs.

After a debate, Councillor Liz Grey moved an amendment, seconded by Councillor Steve Foulkes:

‘That the Road Safety section includes explicit reference to the adoption of a “Vision Zero” approach.’

This was in addition to the 2 recommendations on the original report.

A further debate took place, during which Councillor Tom Anderson moved a procedural motion which was seconded by Councillor Leslie Rennie asking that the matter be referred back to the Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee for further consideration.

The Monitoring officer, Mr Philip McCourt spoke to advise Council that a procedural motion was voted on without debate. Mr McCourt reminded Council that if passed the whole matter would be referred to the Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee.

Council then voted on this and it was then -

Resolved – 31:28 (1 abstention) that the matter would continue to be discussed by Council.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Janette Williamson then requested an adjournment. At 18:30pm pm, the Civic Mayor then adjourned the meeting for 15 minutes.

The meeting resumed at 18:45pm.

The Civic Mayor then opened a debate on the amendment. On the amendment moved by Councillor Liz Grey and seconded by Councillor Steve

Foulkes it was then -

Resolved – 53:3 (4 abstentions)

That the Road Safety section includes explicit reference to the adoption of a “Vision Zero” approach.

The Civic Mayor then opened a debate on the substantive motion. Councillor Janette Williamson spoke to commend the report, especially the inclusion of domestic abuse, anti-social behaviour, transphobia and the ‘prevent strategy’ tackling extremism. Councillor Helen Cameron then spoke to commend the contents of the report after which the Civic Mayor asked Members to vote.

Resolved – 59:0 (1 abstention) that – The Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategy (Community Safety Strategy) be approved, with the addition, that the Road Safety section includes explicit reference to the adoption of a “Vision Zero” approach.

Nikki Butterworth, Director of Neighbourhood Services, introduced this report regarding the Community Safety Strategy which was a statutory responsibility for Councils. The report introduced the Community Safety Strategy 2021-2026 which had been co-produced following significant consultation with a wide range of stakeholders.

Members debated types of crime reported to them or of concern to them, such as domestic violence, anti-social behaviour, hate crime and road safety, and wished for a greater frequency of reporting than annually. Paul Morrison, Neighbourhood Safety Officer, and Police Superintendent Martin Earle answered Members questions.

Resolved - That

(1)   the Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategy (Community Safety Strategy) be noted and its submission to the Council Meeting for final approval be endorsed.

(2)   the Assistant Director Neighbourhoods, Safety and Transport be requested to provide regular updates (twice a year) to the Committee on the progress made in respect to the delivery of the Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategy (Community Safety Strategy).