Decision details

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1)    Consider the outcome of the consultation and select committee comments;

2)    Endorse and recommend that the Hillingdon Community Safety Strategy 2026-2029 in Appendix 1 be presented to full Council for adoption.

Reasons for decisions

The Cabinet Member for Community and Environment introduced the Safer Hillingdon Partnership Community Safety Strategy for 2026–2029, to be recommended to full Council. The strategy reflected the shared commitment of partners to keeping Hillingdon safe and strengthening public confidence. It was shaped by the latest Strategic Needs Assessment and the Crime and Disorder Survey, which highlighted residents’ concerns about burglary, drug dealing, knife crime and anti-social behaviour, as well as young people’s worries about gangs, social media and feeling safe in public spaces.

The Cabinet Member explained that the strategy set out four priorities: creating safer neighbourhoods, tackling violence against women and girls, reducing serious violence, and preventing harm through early intervention and safeguarding. It also responded to emerging risks including hate crime, modern slavery and online radicalisation. The focus was on prevention, partnership working and practical action, ranging from improved CCTV and environmental design to stronger support for victims, targeted work with young people and disruption of those exploiting vulnerable individuals. Thanks were extended to all partners and officers involved in developing the strategy.

The Leader of the Council noted the contrast between recorded crime statistics showing London as safer than before, and the lived experience of residents, many of whom felt less safe. He stressed the importance of the strategy and the partnership with the Police and welcomed continued joint efforts to address anti-social behaviour and low?level crime.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have not adopted a Strategy or agreed an amended Strategy but discounted these options to ensure there were priorities in place for the Safer Hillingdon Partnership to prevent and reduce crime and disorder.