Redbridge Council is set to reinforce its commitment to protecting frontline workers – who deliver over 200 services from adult social care to parking enforcement and waste collection[1] – by taking a zero-tolerance approach to abuse and attacks, ensuring that any incident is reported to the police.
The motion, moved by Councillor Vanisha Solanki, Deputy Leader of the Council & Labour Group and Cabinet Member for Finance, and seconded by Councillor Jo Blackman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability, comes in response to recent incidents where council staff have been subjected to abuse, including physical attacks resulting in hospitalisation and police investigations.
The council has resolved to work closely with the police to ensure that any incidents are followed up and individuals are held accountable, making full use of the new provisions in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act, which came into effect in June 2025 and doubles the maximum penalty from 12 months to two years' imprisonment for individuals who assault frontline workers.
In addition to a zero-tolerance policy, Redbridge Council aims to celebrate and value the contribution of its frontline staff to the local community. This includes annual staff awards and monthly recognition for individuals and teams, as well as through communications campaigns. The council recognises that its frontline staff play a vital role in delivering over 200 services, from adult social care to parking enforcement and waste collection, with over half of the council's workforce also being Redbridge residents.
[1] The motion states: The Council's frontline staff play a vital role in delivery of the Council's over 200 services from adult social care to parking enforcement and waste collection.
