Agenda item

To seek approval to a North Tyneside Hate Crime Policy Statement as part of the Authority’s ongoing programme of work in relation to reducing inequality, eliminating discrimination and promoting inclusion.

Cabinet received a report seeking approval to a Hate Crime Policy Statement as part of the Authority’s ongoing programme of work in relation to reducing inequality, eliminating discrimination and promoting inclusion.

A hate crime was any criminal offence perceived by the victim or someone else to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person’s protected characteristic of Race; Religion; Disability; Sexual orientation and Transgender identity. Additionally, whilst not recognised nationally, Northumbria Police also records crimes based on gender or age as hate crimes.

A hate incident was any incident that is perceived by the victim or someone else to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on one of the above perceived characteristics, but which may not constitute a criminal offence or result in a conviction.

Reports of hate crimes had been increasing year on year, both locally and nationally. In North Tyneside there had been a significant increase in the number of reported hate crimes between 2015/2016 and 2021/2022. The increase was partially due to an increased awareness of the need to report hate crimes and improvements in reporting practices. The rates of hate incidents were much harder to accurately record but these had also been on the increase.

In 2021, North Tyneside had 404 reported hate crimes.  In North Tyneside, the most reported hate crimes were race related. In terms of hate crime and incidents, anyone can be a victim of a hate crime or hate incident and the consequences could be severe. Each individual’s response to a hate crime or incident can be different but they may feel humiliated, embarrassed, angry, or no longer safe in their home or area. Hate crimes and incidents did not just impact on the victim. The victim’s family and friends could also be negatively impacted by the crime or incident. Those who had not directly experienced the crime or incident could also experience fear and trauma. Communities who shared the protected characteristic of the victim could feel the impact on a member of their community, even when there was not direct connection with the victim.

Whilst an individual crime or incident can be traumatic, the risks of severe distress and long-term effects were increased with repeated incidents. The aftereffects of hate crime and incidents could lead to permanent damage, creating a climate of fear, preventing people from living normal lives and may sometimes lead to death.

The Authority’s Equality and Diversity Policy made clear the Authority’s commitment to stand against discrimination, victimisation, and harassment. The Policy Statement on hate crime set out in Appendix 1 of the report contributed to the delivery of the Authority’s equality objectives as approved by Cabinet in February 2021.

Through its Embedding Equality programme, the Authority had ensured that, internally, there was a clear focus on promoting equality and inclusion and eliminating all forms of discrimination.The Policy Statement was part of this programme. In 2021, the Authority had taken part in Hate Crime Awareness Week, signposting what support and resources were available to people. Building on this work the Authority would take part in Hate Crime Awareness Week again this year. Externally, tackling hate crime was a priority of the Safer North Tyneside Partnership of which the Authority was a statutory partner and key member.

Externally, the Authority worked in partnership with others on matters in relation to equality and diversity including through the Safer North Tyneside Partnership which was chaired by the Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Protection (regarding crime and anti-social behaviour related matters including hate crime) and the Community Tension Monitoring Group.

Since 2020, the Authority had been working with its Ethnic Diversity Community Taskforce which was chaired by the Elected Mayor. The Taskforce had identified hate crime as one of its key priorities for action.

Subject to approval by Cabinet, the Hate Crime Policy Statement would be published and implemented. The Policy Statement would be kept under review and amended if necessary following consultation with Cabinet Members. Internally, the Policy Statement would be reflected in the development of a Dignity and Respect at Work Policy and associated procedure.  The Policy Statement would also inform the future work of the Safer North Tyneside Partnership.

Cabinet considered the following decision options:  to either approve the recommendations as set out in section 1.2 of the report, or alternatively, to not approve the recommendations.

Resolved that (1) the Hate Crime Policy Statement contained at Appendix 1 of the report, be approved; and

(2)   the Assistant Chief Executive be authorised to periodically review the Hate Crime

Policy Statement and in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Inclusion, Employment and Skills the Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Protection and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources and the Director of Public Health and Director of Resources, to make amendments to the Policy Statement as considered appropriate.

(Reason for decision: This would provide a clear way forward for a refreshed approach to tackling hate crime both within the Authority and externally in partnership with others.)