Agenda item

This report provides an update on work of the Law Enforcement Team between January and February 2023.

Appendix 3 includes information on a community engagement project undertaken by Neighbourly Lab.

Neil Thurlow (Assistant Director, Community Safety, Resilience and CCTV) introduced partners from Neighbourly Lab, who were present to talk about community engagement and the work done in collaboration with H&F.

Neil Thurlow offered updates on the two Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) regarding dogs in public spaces, and cyclist activity on river paths. Since the previous meeting, consultations on both issues had closed with healthy public engagement in both issues. This provided a solid basis to understand local views on both issues. Analysis was ongoing, and recommendations would be made shortly.

Neil Thurlow thanked members and all those involved for their assistance in circulating surveys across community groups in these consultations, confirming that the PSPOs would be introduced in a phased approach of engagement and education, with enforcement in cases of repeat offences.

Sharon Tomlin asked if Housing Associations could initiate requests for patrols on their sites. Mohammed Basith (Law Enforcement Team Manager) confirmed they could, and the LET would respond in accordance with the severity of the issue being reported.

Grainne O’Dwyer (Senior Programme Manager, Neighbourly Lab) presented the work of Neighbourly Lab, a not-for-profit community organisation focused on improving social connection and strengthening communities. Grainne O’Dwyer explained that Neighbourly Lab had engaged with, and shadowed, the LET in H&F, to better understand their role and offer an evaluation of the service as a critical friend. She praised the LET as offering an invaluable asset and role in the community that many other local authorities didn’t offer.

Neighbourly Lab identified a co-produced approach with H&F LET Officers to design further training to improve the service in the realms of both community engagement and enforcement. Alongside Officer training, Neighbourly Lab also ran community engagement events in parks and places of worship across the borough. Following the engagements, Neighbourly Lab found both improved morale and a greater sense of wellbeing amongst LET Officers, whilst residents reported an improved understanding of, and belief in, the role of the LET.

Tony Boys asked if Neighbourly Lab could extend their remit to working with Resident Associations to broaden the messaging about the LET service and Officers. Neighbourly Lab confirmed that this would be a consideration in future.

The Chair asked if the LET could broaden its reach by engaging in community walkabouts to enhance community engagement and presence. Mohammed Basith confirmed that the LET engaged with residents via ward-based email addresses, which allowed the public to contact Officers who could meet with residents at their convenience. Mohammed Basith also noted that the LET team attended ward panel meetings and held surgeries in local libraries three times a month.

Neil Thurlow said the LET was operational 24/7 and members of the public were welcome to join patrols at any time. Neil Thurlow also welcomed any invitation Tony Boys extended on behalf of ward panels and residents associations across the borough. Tony Boys and Sharon Tomlin commended the LET for their engagement in their local wards of Fulham Reach and Lillie.

Members requested the following:

• Regular progress updates and notification when the PSPOs were approved.
• Details on the timing of the implementation and engagement plans.
• A list of the priority patrols for the LET.

ACTIONS: Neil Thurlow

RESOLVED

That the Committee noted and commented on the report.