To receive disclosures of interests from Members (i.e. the existence and the nature of those interests in respect

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 19 February 2025 (enclosed).

The minutes of the meeting held on 19 February 2025, as circulated, were approved as a correct record.

To consider the report of the Assistant Director Transformation and Communities and the Interim Community Safety and Resident Support Manager (enclosed).

Considered – report of the Assistant Director - Transformation and Communities and the Interim Community Safety and Resident Support Manager.

The Joint Committee was provided with an update on the three priorities of the Community Safety Strategy 2023-26.  The Partnership is currently working with partners to refresh priorities for a new Community Safety Strategy for 2026-29.

An update was also provided on performance of the partnership, crime and antisocial behaviour statistics, ASB enforcement, serious violence, domestic abuse, rural crime, retail/business crime, safer streets, night-time economy, Prevent, hate crime, children and young people, community engagement, challenges and opportunities. Representatives of Leicestershire Police were in attendance to answer questions. 

Discussion ensued on the following:

·         Confirmation of funding from the Office of Police and Crime Commissioner for the Partnership Locality Fund. However, it was noted funding is only confirmed on an annual basis, which can make it difficult to plan and commission longer term projects.

·         The trend for overall crime is down nationally and force wide – 8.1% reduction for Blaby District and 11.7% reduction for Hinckley and Bosworth Borough.

·         Anti-social behaviour and dangerous driving on the Blaby bypass.

·         Uncertainty on funding due to devolution.

·         Burglary and vehicle crime continues to be a challenge; the road network makes Hinckley and Bosworth and Blaby particularly susceptible to cross border criminality which can be difficult to plan for or to predict.

·         County Lines continues to be an ongoing threat. Local Police working in partnership with Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, Blaby District Council and Leicestershire Police Intelligence Services continually monitor and respond to disrupt any county lines that may impact on our area.

·         The "school wars" challenge on TikTok has raised significant concerns among police and schools. This trend, which divides schools into "red" and "blue" teams, encourages pupils to engage in violent confrontations. The Police have been working closely with schools for early intervention. 

Members thanked Officers and representatives from the Police for attending the meeting.