Issue - meetings

(Report of Director of Central Services)

The report outlined the new powers contained in the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, which came into effect on 20 October 2014 and was intended to introduce simpler, more effective powers to tackle anti-social behaviour that provided better protection for victims and communities.

In addition, implications for the Borough Council were set out, together with the measures being considered to address the new powers.   

Following consideration by the Community Safety Advisory Board, the Cabinet Member for Communities, Health and Community Safety resolved that the contents of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act be supported and noted.

Decision Notice: D140124MEM

The report of the Director of Central Services outlined the new powers contained in the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, which came into effect on 20 October 2014 and was intended to introduce simpler, more effective powers to tackle anti-social behaviour that provided better protection for victims and communities.

Particular reference was made to the ‘community trigger’ which allowed the public to request a review of the actions taken around anti-social behaviour complaints.  Annex 1 to the report showed the threshold and procedures discussed by the Kent Community Safety Partnership.

In addition, implications for the Borough Council were set out, together with the measures being considered to address the new powers.      Members expressed concern regarding the potential for vexatious complainants and the need to continue collecting evidence to support any review of actions taken.  The Licensing and Community Safety Manager indicated that it was presently unclear how the final process would be managed but a progress report on the challenges faced would be given at a future meeting of the Advisory Board. 

Reference was made to the public spaces protection order and whether this could be used to address anti-social behaviour at Leybourne Lakes Country Park by granting additional powers to the rangers.   It was felt that this was probably appropriate, in principle, but investigation was needed as to how this would be implemented. 

It was noted that the new powers were additional tools to help tackle, and would not prevent, anti-social behaviour.  It was, therefore, important to ensure that public expectations were not raised unduly and that they continued to be confident that the Borough Council, with partners, was committed to addressing any anti-social behaviour issues.

RECOMMENDED:  that the contents of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act be supported and noted.