Crime
Safeguarding review after 10-year-old's death
An independent safeguarding review is to begin following the death of 10-year-old Sara Sharif.
Community safety: the case for collaboration
Keith Fraser sets out the arguments for collaboration between local authorities and the police to achieve improved outcomes for communities and better use of resources.
A game-changing approach to keeping our residents safe
Hammersmith and Fulham LBC’s law enforcement team is a key element in the borough’s approach to cutting crime and anti-social behaviour, says Sharon Lea.
Local government 'lucrative target' for hackers
Cyber criminals view local government as a ‘lucrative target,’ the Local Government Association’s annual conference has heard.
Review into Leicester unrest launched
The Government has commissioned an independent review into the unrest in Leicester last year that occurred between groups of young Muslim and Hindu men.
Safeguarding review of child sex abuse case withheld
Walsall Safeguarding Partnership (WSP) will not be publishing its review into the largest child sex abuse case investigated by West Midlands Police.
Government moves to introduce mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse
Councils are braced for reforms to improve the tackling of grooming gangs – including mandatory reporting of suspected child sexual abuse – following intervention from Downing Street.
Investigator says 'heads must roll' after Croydon collapse
An independent report into the reasons for the financial collapse of Croydon LBC that has finally been officially published has said ‘heads must roll’.
Protecting residents and preventing violence
London Councils is working with partners to map the VAWG (violence against women and girls) funding pots available across the capital, and how they support or undermine efforts to build capacity and to establish gaps, says Alison Griffin.
Leading the way in youth justice
Hammersmith and Fulham LBC has received an ‘Outstanding’ rating for its Youth Justice Service. Ann McGauran talks to Jacqui McShannon and Alison Sabaroche about the council’s successful approach.
Triple on-the-spot littering fines, think-tank urges
A think-tank has called for a ‘revitalised’ litter strategy, including tripling the level of fines and ranking councils on enforcement of anti-littering laws.
Violence against women and girls involves every one of us
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence may be over, but we must ensure we continue to work to reach those who need help, says Cllr Jas Athwal of London Councils.
'County lines push leaves CSE response stretched'
A UK-wide push to tackle county lines has watered down public bodies’ focus on child sexual exploitation (CSE), leaving councils at risk of further abuse cases, an expert has warned.
Mayor 'baffled' by community unrest
Leicester’s directly-elected mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby, has said he is ‘baffled’ by the widespread disorder in the city.
'Major victory' against housing fraud
A ‘landmark court order’ will make it possible for Kensington & Chelsea LBC and other councils to tackle people fraudulently listing social housing on Airbnb.
Luton council victim of £1.1m cyber crime
Luton Borough Council was the victim of a ‘highly sophisticated and organised crime group’ that stole £1.1m that had been earmarked for a school, investigation finds.
We need to restore faith in ASB services
The public don’t believe anything will be done if they report ASB, and we need to change that, says Rebecca Bryant OBE. Councils should sign up to the Home Office's new set of Anti-Social Behaviour Principles, she adds.
County fends off £500k cyber fraud attempts
Nottinghamshire CC has thwarted two attempts to defraud the council totalling more than £500,000.
Council apologises for child sexual exploitation
Telford & Wrekin Council has apologised ‘wholeheartedly’ after an inquiry concluded more than 1,000 children were sexually exploited over at least 30 years.
What's lurking in the shadows?
Clare Thomas considers if better lighting is the key to making women feel safe on our streets again and offers advice to councils who are planning a lighting redesign.