Southampton council reports it equalled the best Audit Commission inspection result for community safety services across the UK with two stars.
Out of 31 authorities inspected in the last four years, only one other has been given the two star status. Local services, which inspector say have excellent prospects for improvement, include: Neighbourhood Wardens, the City Patrol team, CCTV and the Anti Social Behaviour team. The council also works effectively with partner organisations to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the city.
What they say
Cabinet Member for Communities and Regeneration – Councillor Liz Mizon, says: "In the last four years no other authority has performed as well as Southampton has today. I am really proud of results we have achieved in improving community safety in the city. The recent MORI results show local people are already noticing a difference in the city. This report is a strong endorsement of the work we have been doing to make improvements in our neighbourhoods. Though there is a still a way to go, with our commitment and the hard work of our officers and partner agencies we are determined to continue to improve."
The inspectors found that the council: achieved significant reductions in car crime by targeting hot spots in inner city car parks; made effective use of available legal powers, such as exclusion orders and anti-social behaviour orders, to address problems in specific areas of the city; and achieved increased residents` satisfaction with measures to increase community safety.
Recommendations for future improvements include developing more effective transport arrangements in the city centre to better disperse pub and
club-goers at night.
The city council reports that it has a range of services which promote community safety, and employs around 40 people in a dedicated community safety team. The team has a revenue budget of £960,000 for 2004/05.
Copies of the report are available from Southampton City Council or on the Audit Commission website.
