Issue - meetings

This report brings to the Executive the work, findings and recommendations of the Partnership and Place Overview & Scrutiny Committee’s task group investigation into gangs and services for prevention, intervention and exiting.

(i) that the task group’s recommendations be noted

(ii) that officers consider the appropriateness of the task group’s recommendations  when revising Brent’s community safety strategy and in the context of the Council’s service planning and budget setting process.

(iii) that the members of the task group be thanked for their work.

The Executive considered a report setting out the work, findings and recommendations of the Partnership and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s task group investigation into gangs and services for prevention, intervention and exiting. Councillor Van Kalwala (Chair of the Task Group) spoke to the report, highlighting the impact of gangs on communities and noting the complexity of the issue. National estimates indicated that gangs could affect up to 6 per cent of all 11-19 year olds in the borough; approximately 4000 Brent young people. The existing work to address this issue was commended, although the need to ensure a co-ordinated and collaborative approach with partners and stakeholders was highlighted.

Councillor A Choudry (Lead Member for Crime Prevention and Public Safety) praised the work of the task group and acknowledged its contribution. Councillor Pavey (Lead Member for Children and Families) added his commendation, noting the importance of developing greater partnerships with schools to address this issue.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that the task group’s recommendations be noted

(ii)       that officers consider the appropriateness of the task group’s recommendations  when revising Brent’s community safety strategy and in the context of the Council’s service planning and budget setting process.

(iii)      that the members of the task group be thanked for their work.