Agenda item

Chief Inspector Ben Wright of the Metropolitan Police, Richard Webb, Director of Community Safety and Enforcement, and Janice Noble, Head of Safer Communities and Vulnerabilities were in attendance to provide an overview of the report and answer Members’ questions.

It was noted that Jan Noble had recently joined the Council and led work on the Community Safety Partnership. A new Community Safety Strategy had been developed and had provisionally been agreed at the last Safer Hillingdon Partnership meeting. The next steps included Cabinet approval and public consultation.

Members heard that several working groups had been formed to address place-based crime and safety issues, and a new Integrated Offender Panel was being developed under probation leadership.

Chief Inspector Wright reported significant pressure on the police due to public demonstrations and budget cuts, resulting in staff reductions. Despite these challenges, it was reported that local progress had been made: the homicide rate was zero for the year, and reductions had been seen in youth violence, burglary, vehicle theft, and shoplifting. Robbery and related crimes remained a concern but were lower than in other London areas.

 Members enquired how the £450 million funding gap affected residents and whether neighbourhood officers were being lost due to budget reallocations.
Chief Inspector Ben Wright explained that neighbourhood officers were generally ring-fenced and protected due to their importance. However, budget cuts had reduced staff numbers, creating a high-pressure environment. The organisation faced complex restructuring challenges and required more funding to meet demand.

Councillors expressed concern that Hillingdon residents were being left behind as resources were diverted to central London. In response the Chief Inspector stated that decisions were based on risk prioritisation. Despite challenges, efficiencies had been achieved through organisational changes and resilient teams. The focus remained on balancing resources with demand.

The Committee asked whether local demonstrations would be prioritised over central London events. In response, Members heard that risk analysis guided resource allocation. If credible intelligence indicated a need for increased presence in Hillingdon, it would be factored into broader resourcing decisions.

With regard to Project Vigilant, Members enquired whether this was ongoing and what outcomes had been achieved. The Chief Inspector confirmed that the project was ongoing and a key priority. The organisation had strengthened public protection teams and conducted regular engagement events and operations. Arrests were typically made during these operations, and efforts were continuous.

The Committee asked about plans to support residents without digital access or transport following the closure of Hayes Police Station front counter. In reply, it was explained that the closure was due to funding gaps. The decision was not finalised, and feedback was being considered. Attendance at the station averaged four crime reports per day, prompting further review. Members noted that other functions such as bail reporting and advice were also handled at the station. The Chief Inspector agreed and emphasised the importance of supporting vulnerable individuals. He confirmed that other technical functions were also performed at the station.

With regard to crime statistics and reporting, Members requested statistics on motor vehicle crime, shoplifting, drug-related crime, and serious youth violence.
The Chief Inspector did not have the figures to hand but committed to including them in the next Select Committee report.

Councillors sought further clarification regarding officer allocation per ward and coverage during absences. It was confirmed that most wards had two PCs, with some having more based on crime data. PCSO numbers were increasing. It was reported that the force was at full complement, and retention had improved.

The Committee raised concerns about residents not reporting low-level crime due to perceived inaction. In response, the Chief Inspector explained that volume crime was addressed through intelligence gathering rather than individual investigations. Reporting helped build intelligence to target offenders.

Members suggested that councillors and community leaders could be used to promote positive news stories. The Chief Inspector agreed and noted the launch of Met Engage, which had high resident uptake. Budget cuts had affected media staffing, but efforts were ongoing to improve communication.

Councillors expressed concern that Hillingdon residents were losing out due to both station closures and resource diversion. The Chief Inspector acknowledged the concern and confirmed that feedback had been shared. It was recognised that the organisation faced difficult choices due to funding shortfalls.

Members asked about resident sign-ups to Met Engage following the transition from OWL. The Chief Inspector reported approximately 8,000 members, with monthly growth of 1,000. Engagement was being promoted across wards.

Councillors sought further information in respect of attendance at monitoring groups and stop and search statistics. It was noted that groups were small and rotated. Approximately 3,000 stop and searches occurred annually, with a 36% positive outcome rate.

In response to further questions about youth involvement in advisory and neighbourhood boards, Members were informed that regular youth representation and quarterly informal meetings were held, which provided valuable perspectives.

With regard to the Licensing Team restructure at the Metropolitan Police, Members asked whether this posed risks to local licensing enforcement. It was confirmed that licensing remained a priority. A pod-based system was being considered, and efforts were being made to retain experienced staff.

Councillors requested an update on the promised reopening of Uxbridge front counter. The Chief Inspector stated that the matter predated his tenure and there was no current plan to reopen the station.

In response to queries regarding diversity and cultural improvements within the Met, especially regarding stop and search, the Chief Inspector highlighted internal reforms, increased representation, and improved professional standards. It was confirmed that stop and search was monitored, with positive feedback and low complaint rates.

The Committee asked about the strength of the partnership between the Metropolitan Police and the Council. In response, the Chief Inspector reported strong collaboration, regular communication, and shared goals. Members heard that improvements were ongoing.

With regard to stations closures, Councillors sought reassurance as to whether this affected bail compliance. Chief Inspector Ben Wright acknowledged the risk and confirmed it was part of ongoing decision-making. Final plans were pending.

The Committee highlighted concerns regarding low public trust due to perceived leniency in sanctions. It was explained that the police were not responsible for sentencing. However, it was noted that the criminal justice system faced challenges, and broader reforms were needed.

Members raised concerns about learning from past station closures and promoting good news to improve engagement. In response, it was confirmed that processes would be developed once decisions were finalised. Met Engage provided data to track engagement, and efforts were being made to ensure even coverage across the Borough.

RESOLVED: That the Select Committee noted the contents of the report and asked questions in order to clarify matters of concern or interest in the Borough.