Public Safety & Community Support

Local Authorities play an important role in helping create safe, healthy, and supportive communities. While councils are not responsible for all aspects of public safety, they work closely with police, health services, housing providers, voluntary organisations, schools, and community groups to address local concerns and support residents.

Public safety and community support services can help individuals, families, carers, vulnerable adults, children, and communities facing a range of challenges including:

• Anti-social behaviour
• Community safety concerns
• Financial hardship
• Family difficulties
• Social isolation
• Housing instability
• Vulnerability and safeguarding concerns
• Access to support services

Many people are unaware of the support available through councils and local community networks.

Understanding these services can help people access assistance earlier and prevent problems from escalating.

What Is Community Safety?

Community safety refers to activities aimed at helping people feel safe and reducing risks within local communities.

This may involve:

• Preventing anti-social behaviour.
• Reducing crime.
• Supporting vulnerable people.
• Protecting victims.
• Promoting neighbourhood safety.
• Supporting community wellbeing.

Community safety is often delivered through partnership working between agencies.

Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)

What Is Anti-Social Behaviour?

Anti-social behaviour refers to conduct that causes harassment, alarm, distress, nuisance, or disruption to individuals or communities.

Not every disagreement or inconvenience amounts to anti-social behaviour, but persistent or serious problems may require intervention.

Examples Of Anti-Social Behaviour

Examples may include:

• Persistent noise nuisance.
• Harassment.
• Intimidation.
• Threatening behaviour.
• Vandalism.
• Criminal damage.
• Street drinking problems.
• Drug-related nuisance.
• Repeated neighbour nuisance.
• Public disorder.
• Fly-tipping.
• Dangerous use of public spaces.

Impact On Communities

Anti-social behaviour can affect:

• Mental wellbeing.
• Family life.
• Housing stability.
• Community confidence.
• Vulnerable residents.

Reporting Anti-Social Behaviour

Residents experiencing anti-social behaviour should report concerns to the appropriate organisation.

Report To The Council

Councils may deal with:

• Noise nuisance.
• Environmental issues.
• Community safety concerns.
• Housing-related nuisance.

Report To The Police

Police should generally be contacted where criminal behaviour, threats, violence, or immediate risks are involved.

Emergency situations should always be reported through emergency services.

Report To Housing Providers

Housing associations and landlords may have responsibilities regarding tenant behaviour.

Evidence Standards For ASB Reports

Good evidence can help agencies assess concerns effectively.

Examples include:

Incident Diaries

Record:

• Dates
• Times
• Locations
• What happened

Photographs

Videos

Witness Information

Police Incident Numbers

Correspondence

Community Safety Partnerships

Most areas operate Community Safety Partnerships.

These partnerships often involve:

• Local Authorities
• Police
• Fire Services
• Health Organisations
• Housing Providers
• Community Groups

The aim is to identify local problems and coordinate responses.

Community Trigger

What Is A Community Trigger?

The Community Trigger (sometimes called an ASB Case Review) allows people to request a review where repeated reports of anti-social behaviour have not been adequately addressed.

When Might It Apply?

Where:

• Multiple reports have been made.
• Concerns remain unresolved.
• Agencies may not have responded effectively.

Criteria vary between local areas.

Community Support Services

Local Authorities often provide or coordinate a range of support services designed to help residents facing challenges.

Family Hubs

What Are Family Hubs?

Family Hubs bring together services that support children, parents, carers, and families.

Support may include:

• Parenting support.
• Child development advice.
• Health services.
• Emotional wellbeing support.
• Family guidance.
• Early years support.

Why Family Hubs Matter

They help families access support early before problems become more serious.

Early Help Services

Councils may provide Early Help support to families experiencing difficulties.

This may include:

• Family support workers.
• Parenting programmes.
• School support.
• Practical assistance.

The aim is prevention rather than crisis intervention.

Local Welfare Support

Many councils operate Local Welfare Assistance Schemes or emergency support programmes.

Examples Of Support

Depending on local arrangements, support may include:

• Emergency food assistance.
• Essential household items.
• Crisis support.
• Utility assistance.
• Emergency hardship support.

Availability varies between councils.

Financial Hardship Support

Councils may also provide information regarding:

• Household Support Fund schemes.
• Council Tax Support.
• Discretionary Housing Payments.
• Local grants.

Residents experiencing financial difficulties should seek support as early as possible.

Community Grants

Many councils administer community grant schemes.

These may support:

• Community groups.
• Voluntary organisations.
• Youth activities.
• Local projects.
• Wellbeing initiatives.

Funding criteria vary between areas.

Volunteer Services

Volunteering plays an important role in supporting communities.

Volunteer organisations may provide:

• Befriending services.
• Community transport.
• Food support.
• Advice services.
• Social activities.
• Practical support.

Volunteering can also help strengthen community connections and wellbeing.

Safeguarding & Community Protection

Community support services often work alongside safeguarding systems.

Councils have safeguarding duties towards:

Children

Under the Children Act 1989 and 2004.

Vulnerable Adults

Under the Care Act 2014.

Concerns involving abuse, neglect, exploitation, or significant harm should always be reported promptly.

Your Rights When Accessing Community Support

Individuals generally have the right to:

✓ Be treated fairly and respectfully.

✓ Access available support services.

✓ Request reasonable adjustments.

✓ Receive clear information.

✓ Submit evidence.

✓ Raise concerns.

✓ Access complaints procedures.

✓ Be protected from discrimination.

✓ Have safeguarding concerns considered seriously.

✓ Expect services to operate lawfully and fairly.

Reasonable Adjustments

Under the Equality Act 2010, councils may need to consider reasonable adjustments.

Examples include:

• Accessible communication.
• Alternative formats.
• Additional appointment time.
• Interpreter services.
• Accessible venues.
• Remote support where appropriate.

People should not be disadvantaged because of disability or health conditions.

Advanced Claimant Protection

When seeking support:

Keep Records

Retain copies of:

• Applications
• Referrals
• Emails
• Letters

Request Decisions In Writing

Where important decisions are made.

Keep Evidence Organised

Maintain clear records of concerns and support requests.

Follow Up Concerns Promptly

Particularly where safety issues arise.

Escalate When Necessary

Use complaints procedures where support appears inadequate.

Evidence Standards Handbook

Good evidence may help support requests for assistance.

Examples include:

✓ Incident diaries.

✓ Medical evidence.

✓ Housing records.

✓ Police reports.

✓ Support worker records.

✓ Financial evidence.

✓ Safeguarding referrals.

✓ Correspondence.

Good records can assist both support services and complaint investigations.

Complaints & Escalation

If concerns arise regarding community services:

Raise Concerns Informally

Submit A Formal Complaint

Contact Your Councillor

Contact Your MP

Escalate To The Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman

Where appropriate.

Relevant Legislation

Important legislation may include:

Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014

Children Act 1989

Children Act 2004

Care Act 2014

Equality Act 2010

Human Rights Act 1998

Local Government Act 1972

Environmental Protection Act 1990

Useful Resources

Community Safety Information:

Community Safety Information (Gov.uk)

Find Your Local Council:

Find Your Local Council

Citizens Advice:

Citizens Advice

Family Hubs Information:

Family Hubs Information

Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman:

Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO)

Public Safety & Community Support Checklist

✓ Report concerns early.

✓ Keep evidence and records.

✓ Use incident diaries where appropriate.

✓ Access community support services.

✓ Seek family support where needed.

✓ Explore local welfare assistance.

✓ Request reasonable adjustments.

✓ Report safeguarding concerns promptly.

✓ Escalate unresolved issues appropriately.

✓ Know your rights and available support.

Key Message

Public safety and community support services exist to help create safer, stronger, and more resilient communities. Local Authorities work with police, health services, housing providers, charities, and community organisations to address anti-social behaviour, support vulnerable residents, strengthen family wellbeing, and provide assistance during difficult times.

Understanding available services, reporting concerns early, keeping good records, and knowing your rights can help ensure individuals and families receive the support they need while promoting safer and healthier communities for everyone.