The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director – Health and Community presenting a new Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy for Halton.

It was noted that Anti-Social Behaviour, or its perception, had been a concern that had received wide-ranging publicity both nationally and locally. With this in mind, it was felt timely to review Halton’s approach to anti-social behaviour and to develop a revised strategy and action plan to address these concerns.

The Strategy had a three pronged approach: prevent and deter; protect and punish; and rehabilitate. The aim of each of these approaches was outlined for the Board’s information.

Action Plans had been developed for each of the areas to ensure that delivery and targets were achieved and a performance monitoring framework was outlined. Members were advised that the strategy had been developed with partners, stakeholders and elected Members via the topic group of the Safer Halton Policy and Performance Board. In addition, a consultation event had taken place in February with approximately 170 attendees, including young people and members of the community, where people could comment and ask questions in relation to the document.

The Board considered a number of issues including:

·               the practicalities of delivering the contents of the strategy;

·               the fact that there was full commitment from all of the registered social landlords to this strategy;

·               the number of referrals in respect of drugs had increased, which was a positive sign of the impact that Ashley House was having, in particular with regard to the number of self-referrals;

·               there was a need to provide a list of options to the Police in order that they could signpost young people to those activities when they were moving groups on;

·               the fact that anti-social behaviour was not just about young people; and

·               the positive impact the development of the waterfront could have in 12 months’ time, as it would help to provide young people with more alternatives as to how they could spend their time.

Reason for decision

The Strategy was in response to an issue that was high on the public agenda, as voiced through community engagement.

Alternative Options considered and rejected

All options were considered in producing the final strategy.

Implementation Date

If endorsed, the Strategy would be launched in April 2007.

RESOLVED: That “Promoting Positive Behaviour” – Halton’s Anti Social Behaviour Strategy – be endorsed.