Issue

Community Safety

26 stories · discussed at 29 council meetings · 22 councils

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

  1. 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
  2. Tower Hamlets Council's Development Committee refused a school hours change in October 2026 due to community safety concerns. Source
  3. Southwark Council invested £600,000 in Night Time Patrols in September 2026. Source
  4. Merton Council's Cabinet approved £235,000 for Community Safety Untidy Land action in September 2026. Source
  5. 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.

Stories, page 3

  1. Barnet Council Launches New Strategy to Combat Serious Youth Violence Barnet Council has launched a new strategy to tackle serious youth violence, building on existing efforts to enhance community safety across the borough. The strategy was... Barnet 17 March 2026
  2. New CCTV policy adopted by Havering Council Havering Council's Cabinet has adopted a new policy governing the use of its CCTV and Body Worn Video (BWV) systems, aiming to enhance compliance with regulations and improve... Havering 16 January 2026
  3. Wandsworth Council Motion on Crime and Housing Fails Amidst Heated Debate Wandsworth Council's recent meeting saw heated debates on crime and housing, but a motion highlighting these issues ultimately failed to pass. Wandsworth 28 October 2025
  4. Lavender Hill Police Station Front Desk to Remain Open Following Community Campaign Following a community campaign, the front desk at Lavender Hill Police Station will remain open, Wandsworth Council has confirmed. However, opening hours will be reduced to 12... Wandsworth 28 October 2025
  5. Barnet to Investigate Edgware Foul Smell Barnet Council is set to investigate the source of a foul smell plaguing Edgware town centre, following concerns raised by Councillor Lucy Wakeley at a recent council meeting. Barnet 25 October 2025
  6. Waltham Forest to Launch Visible Safety Campaign to Tackle Knife Crime Waltham Forest Council is set to launch a visible safety campaign in autumn, co-designed with residents and partners, to empower communities to play an active and shared role in... Waltham Forest 21 September 2025
  7. Greenwich Council Committee to Review Police Priorities and Community Safety Report Greenwich Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee convened on 4 September 2025, to discuss policing priorities and community safety in the borough. These discussions reflect... Greenwich 8 September 2025
  8. Croydon Council Approves Plant-Based Food Petition Croydon Council has approved a public petition calling for plant-based food and drink options at council events, marking a step towards promoting sustainable and ethical food... Croydon 20 July 2025