Council promises to act on recommendations from community-based crime commission

The London Borough of Redbridge is the first local authority to give residents a real say in shaping services, policies, and budgets aimed at tackling crime.

Following the biggest public consultation in its history, Redbridge Council last year identified issues that most concern residents and established an independent Community Crime Commission to advise on ways to tackle them. After months of consultation and discussion the Commission – which comprised of residents, community leaders and experts – published its findings.

The Commissioners’ investigation uncovered a series of systemic factors that undermine efforts to create a safer community. These include agencies not working effectively together, thresholds that mean young people don’t get help early enough to protect them from criminality, and low levels of confidence amongst residents that things can improve. The report makes 48 recommendations on a range of issues, including anti-social behaviour, burglary, domestic abuse, violence against women and girls, and drugs and street violence.

As well as specific actions, the Commission called for a new overall approach, based on a sustainable long-term vision and improved communication between service providers and residents. It also stressed the importance of early intervention for vulnerable young people.

Along with partners, including the Metropolitan Police, the Council has already responded to the report, pledging action. In addition to restructuring and reprofiling resources to meet the recommendations, a budget of £1.2m has so far been committed for 2022, with additional investment expected as initiatives are developed.

Several of the Commission’s recommendations focus on better neighbourhood policing, joined-up services, and working more closely with local communities to buy back public confidence in local services. In response, the Council is expanding its ‘enforcement hubs’ – walk-in centres in the community where people can get help and advice direct from the police and enforcement officers.

The Chair of the Community Crime Commission, Dr Javed Khan OBE, said: ‘Agencies must work more closely together, rapidly sharing information, and must be much better connected to the communities they support. Otherwise, people fall through the cracks. The enforcement hubs are a good example of this approach, as they bring services together and they take those services to where people are within the community, making it easier for residents to access them.’

Other recommendations from the Commission which the Council and its partners are already working on include the deployment of 25 new police officers and the provision of seamless support for victims of domestic abuse.

Dr Khan added: ‘Fresh, practical ideas for solving difficult problems come from the people who live with those problems every day. This process, of genuine community involvement in tackling crime, has been ground-breaking. We are pleased that the Council is already acting on our recommendations.’

The Leader of Redbridge Council, Jas Athwal, said: ‘We thank the Commission for its work and look forward to delivering on its recommendations. The process represents a step-change in how local people can engage with public services. Their experiences of what we do and their ideas on how we can better work together is helping create a safer borough. We are now focusing on the issues we know concern them, including women’s safety, and access to the police and other services.

The Commission will reassemble in 2023 to check on the Council’s progress and to hold it to account if required. 

In related news, a homeless community group has received £10,000 of National Lottery funding to create a mobile consulting room to deliver healthcare to people who are homeless across Redbridge.

Photo by Justin Thomas