Decision details

The Cabinet will be asked to consider proposals for additional policing for Council estates in the borough

The Cabinet Members for Housing and Crime, Justice and Communities presented a report on proposals to improve security and safety at a number of the Borough’s housing estates through revised concierge and policing arrangements. 

In respect of the new policing arrangements, the Cabinet Member for Crime, Justice and Communities advised that discussions with the Metropolitan Police had resulted in a proposal to appoint an additional 20 Police Officers to specifically tackle crime and anti-social behaviour on housing estates in the Borough.  The costs would be shared equally by the Council and the Metropolitan Police, with management and tasking resting with the Metropolitan Police and objectives determined through the multi-agency VOLT (Victim, Offender, Location, Time) group.  In response to an enquiry, it was confirmed that those officers would be a dedicated resource and only abstracted from the Borough to assist on major events, such as New Year’s Eve celebrations in Central London and the Notting Hill Carnival, and major incidents / emergencies.

It was further noted that as part of the new joint arrangement, the Metropolitan Police would also provide an additional 20 Police Special Constables to support the work of the new, full-time Police Officers and the Council would consider further measures to deal with anti-social behaviour issues referred to in the report, including the possible funding from the Housing Revenue Account of up to two Family Intervention Officers on a trial basis.

With regard to the housing concierge arrangements, the Cabinet Member for Housing outlined the proposals for retendering the housing element of the corporate concierge and security contract to provide an improved service at a number of the high-rise flatted estates in the Borough.  Initial consultation with affected residents had taken place, which indicated support for the proposals, and further formal consultation would take place on the detailed proposals.

Cabinet agreed:-

  (i)  To note the outcome of the consultation on future concierge provision;

  (ii)  The procurement arrangements for a contract for concierge and security services at residential housing blocks, as set out in the report; and

 (iii)  That a contractual agreement be entered into with the Metropolitan Police Service in respect of the new estate policing proposals detailed in the report.