Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services.

The Sub-Committee received a report of the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services concerning a draft policy statement and protocol in support of interventions to tackle the negative impacts such as anti-social behaviour that can be associated with rough sleeping.

The following points were noted:

• Members noted that the paper had been approved by the Community and Children’s Services Committee and would go to the Police Authority board next week.
• Officers noted the feedback received and the balance between sustaining the policy's aim and purpose.
• The Deputy Chair raised concerns about the legal options and the approach to passive begging, emphasising the need for clarity on decision-making and the role of officers.
• The Deputy Chair also discussed concerns about data sharing, particularly with the Home Office, and the need for clarity on what data is shared and with whom.
• Officers stressed the importance of taking action rather than continuously refining the policy, acknowledging the potential for mistakes but highlighting the need to challenge rough sleeping proactively.
• Members suggested the need for a communication strategy to explain actions to the public.

RESOLVED – That, the report be noted.