Fix funding delays for Safer Neighbourhood Boards

The London Assembly is concerned that London’s Safer Neighbourhood Boards (SNBs) are not being fully supported by the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC).



Concerns include approved funding not being provided in a timely manner, a lack of training and adequate support, and a lack of partnership working.



The Assembly has today called on the Mayor to ensure delays to funding are prevented by setting deadlines, and to provide better support and training to SNBs.



Shaun Bailey AM, who proposed the motion said:



"Safer Neighbourhood Boards are the only setup that engages all communities in London, yet their funding is not prioritised, and they have faced payment and funding delays.

“Their work is excellent, and they are an essential cog in community engagement, but they are not receiving even adequate support from MOPAC.

“We call on the Mayor to step in and ensure that the essential work of the Safer Neighbourhood Boards both continues and expands."

The full text of the motion is:

This Assembly is concerned that the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) is not adequately supporting Safer Neighbourhood Boards (SNBs) in London and is failing to recognise the excellent work they do.

The main concerns are as follows:

• Approved funding is not being provided in a timely manner;
• There is a lack of partnership working with SNBs; and
• There is a lack of training and adequate support.

We therefore call upon the Mayor to ensure that MOPAC does the following:

• Ensures delays to funding are prevented by setting a deadline for when money will be provided to SNBs once promised;
• Provides better support and training to SNBs to help them become more effective, including more flexibility to work together and support each other across borough boundaries; and
• Helps SNBs to grow participation levels and attract new members.