“"Anti social behaviour remains one of the issues residents tell us concerns them most. These proposals represent a significant investment in making Wolverhampton's communities safer by combining prevention, intervention and enforcement in a way that addresses the root causes of anti social behaviour, while also taking robust action against those who cause persistent nuisance and disorder. We know that early intervention works, which is why we want to provide long term support for programmes that help young people make positive choices and reach their full potential. At the same time, we want to ensure we have the right tools, powers and people in place to respond quickly and effectively when anti social behaviour does occur. This approach will provide a more visible presence in our communities and strengthen our partnership working with the police and other agencies. It will support residents and businesses and help ensure Wolverhampton remains a safe, welcoming and vibrant place to live, work and visit."
Wolverhampton Council Proposes £1.2m Investment for Safer Communities
New strategy combines prevention, intervention, and enforcement to tackle anti-social behaviour and improve public safety.
By Aisha Mahmood
••3 min read
AI
Generic image of a red-brick Victorian town hall with ornate details in The Midlands, under a blue sky.
The City of Wolverhampton Council is set to consider a £1.2 million investment package aimed at enhancing community safety through a new strategy combining prevention, intervention, and enforcement.
The proposed measures, to be considered by Cabinet on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, aim to make communities safer, improve perceptions of safety, and tackle persistent anti-social behaviour. The funding would support the restructuring of Community Safety services, provide a sustainable budget for youth intervention and prevention programmes, and continue the successful Safer Nights programme, which includes initiatives like the Safe Haven and Night Guardians.
A key element of the proposal is the establishment of a dedicated team of Community Safety Enforcement Officers. These officers will maintain a visible presence on local high streets and in the city centre to address anti-social behaviour in public spaces and enforce Public Space Protection Orders. They will collaborate with West Midlands Police to educate, engage, and take action against individuals causing nuisance and disorder.
The council also plans to bring the city's Public Place and tenure neutral anti-social behaviour service back under direct council control. This move aims to enable fuller use of available anti-social behaviour powers, including new national legislation. While Wolverhampton Homes will continue to manage anti-social behaviour related to its properties, the council's direct control will enhance its enforcement capabilities.
The report highlights the success of existing prevention and intervention activities, such as the Yo! Rise pilot projects, the Your Spaces activity programme, and outreach work at Bentley Bridge Retail Park. These initiatives, delivered in partnership with voluntary and community sector organisations, are credited with reducing anti-social behaviour and engaging young people in positive activities to prevent involvement in violence and nuisance.
The Safer Nights programme has already contributed to improved safety in the city centre through extended hours at the Safe Haven, Night Guardian patrols, enhanced CCTV monitoring, and taxi marshalling, creating a safer night-time environment. The new proposals seek to build on this success by integrating support, prevention, and early intervention with stronger enforcement powers.
Based on information from the official source: City of Wolverhampton Council (02/11/2026)
