Community Safety
Councils are investing in policing and enforcement, with Wandsworth funding 25 new officers and Southwark launching night patrols to enhance community safety.
Wandsworth Council approved a £3.1 million investment in October 2026 for 25 dedicated police officers and an Integrated Enforcement Team, following discussion by the Enforcement Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee, to enhance community safety. In the same month, Tower Hamlets Council's Development Committee refused a school hours change, citing community safety concerns. Southwark Council invested £600,000 in Night Time Patrols in September 2026, after data showed many residents feel unsafe at night.
Merton Council's Cabinet approved £235,000 in September 2026 for Community Safety Untidy Land action to tackle issues that could attract anti-social behaviour. In July 2026, Harrow Council's Cabinet approved recommissioning domestic abuse services, with a new £2.395 million contract starting in April 2027. Lambeth Council's Cabinet noted in July 2026 that most community safety indicators were failing to meet targets.
The topic of community safety, which involves efforts to reduce crime and disorder and improve community well-being, is scheduled for discussion at upcoming meetings. Bexley's Community Safety Scrutiny Project Sub Group met in September 2026 to develop a project plan, and Waltham Forest's Communities and Public Protection Scrutiny Committee discussed it in September 2026.
Key facts
- Wandsworth Council approved a £3.1 million investment for 25 new police officers and an Integrated Enforcement Team in October 2026. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
- Tower Hamlets Council's Development Committee refused a school hours change in October 2026 due to community safety concerns. Source
- Southwark Council invested £600,000 in Night Time Patrols in September 2026. Source
- Merton Council's Cabinet approved £235,000 for Community Safety Untidy Land action in September 2026. Source
- Harrow Council's Cabinet approved recommissioning domestic abuse services for £2.395 million over five years in July 2026. 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 14 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.