Agenda item

The Committee were provided with an update on Neighbourhood Services activities in relation to tackling littering, dog fouling, anti-social behaviour (ASB) and other related enviro-crime and the use of legal powers and tools to tackle such issues.

Members were reminded that Neighbourhood Services provided a key central function tackling issues relating to anti-social behaviour and enviro-crime, becoming a single point of contact within the Council for its customers and partner agencies, and so taking the operational lead for all matters relating to ASB. The Team had developed a close working relationship with a number of partner agencies including the Police and Home Office to ensure effective and sustainable solutions were developed.  The Neighbourhoods’ Team also led on safeguarding issues, the protection of vulnerable people and the development and management of multi-agency tasking and co-ordination.

It was confirmed that the team did not receive any funding from external agencies and the biggest  challenge facing the Neighbourhood Teams was the potential reduction to budget resources as the Council made year on year savings. Officers explained that any further reduction to budgetary resources would seriously diminish the effectiveness and ability of the team to respond to serious issues.

A number of issues were raised by Members including work undertaken to address the issue of drugs in Slough and housing tenancy issues. The Committee thanked the team for their work and acknowledged that they provided a vital service to residents.

Resolved -   That the contents of the report be noted and endorsed.