Serious Violence
Councils are approving community safety strategies and youth justice plans, with a focus on preventing serious violence and addressing youth safety concerns.
Councils are actively developing and approving strategies to address serious violence, a broad category of violent crime that poses a significant threat. In September 2026, Hounslow Council approved a revised Youth Justice Plan for 2024-2027, focusing on preventing offending among young people, as presented by Councillor Madeeha Asim. Southwark Council's Executive also adopted its Community Safety Partnership Strategy in September 2026.
Earlier, in April 2026, Bexley Council approved its 2026-2030 Community Safety Strategy, prioritising serious violence and noting rising youth safety concerns, with Councillor Caroline Day highlighting new funding for youth clubs. In February 2026, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet endorsed a new Community Safety Strategy for 2026-2029, aiming to reduce serious violence and prevent harm through early intervention, as presented by Councillor Wayne Bridges.
Barnet Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee scrutinised the Safer Communities Partnership Board's annual report for 2025-26 in July 2026, which included efforts to tackle serious violence. Looking ahead, Barking and Dagenham's Community Safety Partnership Board will discuss this topic in October 2026. Waltham Forest Council also prioritised a mission-based approach to tackle knife crime among young black men in September 2025.
Key facts
- Hounslow Council approved a revised Youth Justice Plan for 2024-2027 in September 2026. Source
- Barnet Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee scrutinised the Safer Communities Partnership Board's annual report for 2025-26 in July 2026. Source
- Bexley Council approved its 2026-2030 Community Safety Strategy in April 2026, prioritising serious violence. Source
- Hillingdon Council's Cabinet endorsed a new Community Safety Strategy for 2026-2029 in February 2026. Source
- Waltham Forest Council prioritised a mission-based approach to tackle knife crime among young black men in September 2025. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.