A scrutiny review completed by Brighton & Hove City Council found that community safety messages should be more widely promoted for older people.
 
The cross-party scrutiny panel into older people and community safety found that older people can be less visible in the community and their lives affected by fear of crime as opposed to actual crime.
 
Councillor  Mo Marsh, who chaired the panel, explained:
“We looked at issues that could potentially affect the safety and well-being of older people such as rogue traders, racism, domestic violence and alcohol-related harm. The panel heard evidence of community safety initiatives from a number of services to help us make our recommendations.”
 
The Panel concluded that information about keeping safe and sources of advice should be provided for older people, particularly those who are socially isolated. This should be in the form of a purpose-designed booklet similar to those in use by other local authorities.
 
Further local research and analysis, co-ordinated between the council and its partners is needed on some of these issues, according to the Panel. This should focus more on the needs of older age groups as well as the wider population.
 
The review also recommends support for community development schemes that help build the resilience of older people.
 
The panel’s report will be discussed at Environment and Community Safety Overview and Scrutiny Committee on September 14 and at the Community Safety Forum on October 19.
 
The report will be available online from tomorrow at: 
www.brighton-hove.gov.uk
under ‘councillors and meetings.’