Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Strategic Director for People and Communities.

Agreed:

RECOMMENDED that Council approve the adoption of the new Hate Crime Policy for the period 2026-2031.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

</AI6>

<TRAILER_SECTION>

The Executive received the report on the revised Housing Services Hate Crime Policy 2026-2031 for adoption and implementation. The policy would operate in conjunction with the Housing Anti-Social Behaviour Policy to address hate crimes and hate incidents within Council housing communities.

Particular reference was made to:

·        the Hate Crime Policy was initially presented to Executive on 23 September 2025 for recommendation to Council, however, Members had expressed concerns about the quality of the Equality Impact Assessment and the decision was made to defer the item to enable a more thorough review;

·        since the September meeting, the EQIA had been updated and had significant changes had been made;

·        the policy provided guidance for managing hate crime reports within council homes and estates and focussed on a victim focused approach as well as the Council’s zero tolerance stance on hate crimes;

·        the policy defined hate crimes and hate incidents, staff responsibilities, reporting, and recording as well as the importance of supporting victims and witnesses; and

·        the policy definitions also aligned with the Police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) standards.

During the discussion, Executive Members raised the following points and questions:-

·        the policy was commended both previously and currently and the clear definitions and updated EQIA were seen as important improvements;

·        the policy was a valuable addition to the council’s housing policies; and

·        the updated EQIA was commended for its clarity and thoroughness and had been supported by the Council Housing and Development Advisory Board and Tenants groups.

The Leader moved the recommendations, which were seconded by Councillor Foale, voted upon, and CARRIED unanimously.

RECOMMENDED that Council approve the adoption of the new Hate Crime Policy for the period 2026-2031.