Issue - meetings

To accept the Safer Streets (Round 5) funding allocated via the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lincolnshire following a bid submitted by South Kesteven District Council.

Purpose of report

To accept the Safer Streets (Round 5) funding allocated via the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lincolnshire following a bid submitted by South Kesteven District Council.

Decision

1.    That Cabinet accepts the funding awarded by the Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner as part of the Safer Streets (Round 5) Scheme.

2.    That the General Fund Revenue Budget be amended by £71,835 for 2023/2024 and £100,203 for 2024/2025 to reflect the above award of grant funding.

Alternative options considered and rejected

To not accept the funding.

Reasons for decision

To ensure that the interventions identified within Appendix 1 of the report can be implemented which will be of benefit in particular to Grantham, as well as safety in the nighttime economy.

The Council had been awarded £172,000 of funding from the Safer Streets Bid. The Council was required to allocate match funding of £93,000 of which £76,000 would be from the CCTV upgrade project and the balance of £16,000 could be met from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The measures covered by the Safer Streets Funding included:

·         A Safer Streets Champion post

·         CCTV operative cover for weekends

·         Increased nighttime and weekend patrols

·         Information boards

·         Extension of the Pub Watch scheme

·         Money for the ‘Ask for Angela’ project and ‘Street Safe’ scheme

·         CCTV upgrade

·         Awareness campaigns around safety

·         Working with Lincolnshire Police on anti-spiking measures.

The following points were highlighted during debate:

·         Extra funding was welcomed, however this appeared to be due to the reduction in provision of PCSOs. Policing on the streets was a reassurance to people, and an opportunity to get to know the community. There were now approximately 50 PCSOs across Lincolnshire, with none in the District south of Grantham.

·         It was pleasing to note the introduction of self-defence classes, as people were more empowered when they were able to defend themselves. However, it might be useful to give future consideration to avoidance training.