To receive apologies for absence, including notifications of any changes to the membership of the Board.

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Cowell.  It was also reported that, in accordance with the wishes of the Conservative Group, the membership of the Board had been amended to include Councillor Brook in place of Councillor Spacagna.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Board held on 13 August 2025.

The minutes of the meeting of the Board held on 13 August 2025 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To consider a report that provides an update on key work areas for Safer Torbay, covering progress from the last 12 months against statutory functions; and an overview of strategic priority areas and key work areas for the next year.

The Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services, Public Health and Inequalities, Councillor Tranter introduced the overview report for Safer Torbay (Community Safety Partnership).  Sarah Omell, Community Safety Partnership Manager, presented key findings from the strategic assessment and outlined priorities and challenges of Safer Torbay, which included:

·                Reduction in reported antisocial behaviour and rape; increase in other sexual offences and shoplifting.

·                Need for improved data contextualisation and integration of wider sources of intelligence.

·                Focus on Prevent Duty, safeguarding, and community tension monitoring.

·                A commendation from Home Office for the Channel programme.

·                Emphasis on community engagement and resilience.

·                Development of a performance framework and assurance mechanisms.

·                Updates on modern slavery, serious violence duty, and violence against women and girls.

·                The Strategy for next three years including a new Antisocial behaviour (ASB) priority and broader societal challenges.

Members raised the following Questions:

·                Why was the Safer Torbay report not presented to the Adult Social Care and Health Sub-Board?

·                The data related to 2023/2024, when will Members receive updated data?

·                How do we interpret the rising figures—are they due to increased reporting?

·                Is antisocial behaviour as prevalent as it is perceived?

·                How can Councillors be informed about rising community tensions?

·                Is there a mechanism for community members to report concerns, such as rumours about individuals?

·                How is community intelligence gathered and used?

·                What is the main source of referrals under Prevent Duty?  Are schools actively involved?

·                Why are there few referrals from Adult Social Care?

·                Who contributed to the Council’s modern slavery statement?

·                Is there feedback on the Mentors in Violence programme?

·                What is SWAN (Safety of Women at Night Charter) and how does it work in practice?

·                How can women be made more aware of their own safety?

·                Will the Safer Travel App be downloadable via QR code?  Is there a communications plan for the App?

·                What is the current staffing situation for Town Centre Officers?

·                Are Street Marshalls still operating?

·                Will the new analyst look at hate crime data?

·                Are there plans to expand CCTV coverage, especially around the harbourside?

·                Is online extremism monitored?

The following responses were provided:

·                The Safer Torbay report is a cross-cutting partnership report, not specific to one service area which was why it goes annually to the main Overview and Scrutiny Board.  The Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Board was considering specific topics for example domestic abuse.

·                A refreshed dataset will be available by November 2025 and will be circulated to all Members once it is available.

·                The rising figures may be due to increased reporting, especially for shoplifting and sexual offences.  Reporting mechanisms have changed, and confidence in reporting may vary particularly in respect of sexual offences.  ASB data from the Council can show trends, but multiple datasets are needed for full understanding.

·                Recorded crime isn’t always a reliable indicator.  Lived experience and victim feedback are more insightful.  Fear of crime also plays a role in perception.

·                Councillors should contact the Safer Communities Team for advice if they have any concerns around  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.