Appendix G: Composition of Partnerships
Responsible authorities have a statutory duty to work with other local agencies and organisations to develop and implement strategies to tackle crime and disorder including anti-social and other behaviour adversely affecting the local environment as well as the misuse of drugs in their area. (s6, Crime and Disorder Act 1998 as amended by s97 and s98 Police Reform Act 2002 and s1, Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005).
These statutory partnerships are known as Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRPs) or Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs) in Wales.
The responsible authorities set out in s 5 Crime and Disorder Act 1998 are:
- police.
- police authorities.
- local authorities.
- fire and rescue authorities.
- local health boards (LHBs) in Wales.
- primary care trusts (PCTs) in England (added on 30 April 2004).
Responsible authorities are under a statutory duty to ensure that the key agencies come together to work in partnership in a CDRP/CSP. They are required to work in co-operation with probation boards parish councils, NHS Trusts , NHS Foundation Trusts, proprietors of independent schools and governing bodies of an institution within the further education sector and to work closely with Drug Action Teams in two-tier local authority areas and have developed integrated working arrangements in unitary authority areas. They are also expected to invite a range of local private, voluntary, other public and community groups including the public to become involved in the strategy process.
While the term ‘partnership’ is applied to all those who sit round the table, legally, the responsible authorities are the only bodies or agencies under the duty to meet the new regulatory requirements.
From 31 July 2007, Registered Social Landlords (in England) will be co-operating bodies with the responsible authorities of community safety partnerships and the Environment Agency in England will become an invitee to participate with the responsible authorities in their functions on the partnership. The Welsh Assembly Government will be considering changing the status of Registered Social Landlords and the Environment Agency in Wales later in the year.
