Community Safety

Community Safety is an area of concern for all communities. It is a subject that has consistently been shown to be a high public priority and one that can effect the quality of life for individuals and entire communities. In recent years it has been acknowledged that tackling community safety issues cannot be done by the police alone and that a multi-agency approach can be far more effective.

The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 made it a statutory duty for each local authority area to have a Community Safety Partnership in place made up of representatives from the local authority, the police force, the police authority, the fire and rescue authority and the local health board. Previously, the Partnerships produced a 3-yearly Community Safety Strategy for the local authority area, and also a Substance Misuse Action Plan. Provisions in the Police and Justice Act 2006, however, remove the requirement for 3-yearly Community Safety Strategies. Instead, Partnerships are required to produce 3-year Partnership Plans, revised annually and based upon an annual strategic assessment. 

WLGA Views and Activities

The WLGA’s primary purposes are to promote better local government and its reputation and to support authorities in the development of policies and priorities which will improve public services and local democracy. The WLGA represents the interests of local government in respect of community safety, as well as the interests of its associate members.

Community Safety covers a broad area of policy including, but not limited to, policing, crime and disorder, anti-social behaviour, substance misuse, domestic abuse, and fire. Community Safety is located within the Equalities and Social Justice directorate of the WLGA.

The WLGA currently facilitates and provides the secretariat support to the All Wales Community Safety Forum.

WLGA Spokesperson

The WLGA political spokesperson on Community Safety is Councillor Lindsay Whittle.

WLGA Advisers

For more information contact: Rachel Morgan