Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Thursday, 17th September, 2026 7.00 pm - Agenda and minutes

(1)  To note the Appointment of Cllr Becky Williams as a Member of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in place of Cllr Sarah Spall for the remainder of the 2026/27 Municipal Year. The appointment has been made by the Leader of the Council in accordance with Standing Orders and arrangements to secure political balance.

(2)  To note the Appointment of Cllr Sarah Spall as a Standing Deputy of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to fill the Labour Group vacancy for the remainder of the 2026/27 Municipal Year. The appointment has been made by the Leader of the Council in accordance with Standing Orders and arrangements to secure political balance.

The Committee NOTED changes to the Membership of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, for the remainder of the 2026/27 Municipal Year, as set out below:

• Cllr Becky Williams to be appointed to the Committee in place of Cllr Sarah Spall

• Cllr Sarah Spall to be appointed as Standing Deputy for the Committee in place of the Labour vacancy

To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting held on 13th July, 2026 (copy attached).

The minutes of the meetings held on 13th July, 2026 were agreed as a correct record.

To receive an update from Chief Inspector Alex Reading, Hampshire Police, and David Lipscombe, Community Safety Manager, on current issues across the Borough, positive news stories and challenges within the policing and community safety sector. A copy of the Community Safety presentation is attached for reference, and the Policing presentation will be shared in due course.

The Portfolio Holder for Pride in Place and Neighbourhood Services, Cllr Christine Guinness, has been invited to attend the meeting.

The Committee welcomed Chief Inspector Alex Reading, Hampshire Police and the Council’s Community Safety Manager, David Lipscombe who were in attendance to report on current priorities, performance information and key achievements over the previous twelve months, within the policing and community safety sector. Also in attendance was the Portfolio Holder for Pride in Place and Neighbourhood Services, Cllr Christine Guinness.

The Committee were advised that Hampshire Police had continued to strengthen local policing arrangements through increased officer numbers, with additional officers being transferred into neighbourhood policing teams as they gained experience. Members noted that neighbourhood policing remained focused on anti-social behaviour, drug-related harm, anti-social driving, hate crime, community cohesion and youth-related disorder. Particular attention had been given to anti-social behaviour in Aldershot town centre, youth disorder linked to football activities and anti-social behaviour at Farnborough Skate Park. Members were informed that partnership working was continuing with local schools, community organisations, parents and Aldershot Football Club to address the behaviour of a small number of young people involved in incidents.

During discussion, Members explored opportunities to provide early intervention and support for young people. The Committee heard that organisations such as Yellow Brick Road and social prescribing schemes were being utilised to help divert young people away from criminal activity and provide mentoring and support. Members welcomed the preventative approach and discussed the importance of positive role models and community-based interventions.

The Committee discussed anti-social behaviour and drug-related activity within residential neighbourhoods and public spaces. Members raised questions regarding reports of drug-related activity in local communities and sought reassurance that sufficient resources were available to address emerging issues. In response, it was explained that enforcement activity was intelligence-led and that police resources were directed towards those individuals and networks assessed as presenting the greatest risk.

Members discussed local policing priorities and the mechanisms through which residents could influence those priorities. It was explained that priorities were informed through reported incidents, intelligence, community engagement, surveys and partnership information. Members expressed a desire for greater opportunities for Councillors to feed local concerns directly into policing discussions and highlighted the importance of ensuring that issues not routinely reported through traditional channels were still identified and addressed.

The Committee considered speeding concerns raised frequently by residents across the Borough. Members discussed the use of Speed Indicator Devices, Speedwatch initiatives and police enforcement activity and questioned whether additional deployment of speed monitoring equipment could assist in addressing residents’ concerns. The Committee were advised that speeding remained a common issue raised through community engagement and that both educational and enforcement approaches were used to address the problem. Members noted that Speedwatch schemes relied on volunteers and that police officers were also able to undertake targeted speed enforcement activity where concerns had been identified.

The Committee reviewed crime statistics covering the previous twelve months. Members noted an overall reduction in recorded crime compared with the previous year and were advised that crime trends continued to be monitored closely to identify emerging hotspots and patterns. Members requested that consideration  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

To consider the Work Plan for the 2026/27 Municipal Year (copy attached).

The Committee noted the current Work Plan.

Members were advised of the special meeting scheduled for 21 September 2026 to undertake pre-decision scrutiny of the SERCO Contract Extension and noted the forthcoming items on Skills, Economy and Regeneration and the Young People Plan. Members were invited to submit suggestions for future scrutiny topics for consideration by the Agenda Preparation Group. During discussion, it was suggested that a future item should consider care plan processes and partnership working with Hampshire County Council.

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