A council team set up to fight anti-social behaviour, littering, and other community problems across Newcastle looks set to be saved.
The Empowering People in Communities (EPiC) was launched by Newcastle City Council last year and has helped clean up back lanes blighted by fly-tipping, delivered family fun days, and put community safety officers into neighbourhoods. Initially piloted in Walker, Elswick and West Denton, the scheme was then also rolled out to more locations including Blakelaw, Cowgate, and Kenton.
However, there had been concerns about the programme’s future as its time-limited funding, which came from a dividend from the council’s shares in Newcastle International Airport, was due to run out in March 2025. Local authority bosses have now confirmed that they are planning to continue the scheme, with a £375,000 investment proposed through the council’s budget for 2025/26.
Coun Irim Ali, the council’s cabinet member for communities, said: “The council continues to face some big financial challenges in 2025 but we are doing all we are able to tackle the issues that residents tell us matter most to them – like crime, anti-social behaviour and community safety. We have seen great early successes in our EPiC work, in which we collaborate closely with police, partners and residents to improve life in our communities.
“At this stage ongoing funding for it is just a proposal, which like the rest of our budget is currently subject to consultation – however, we would hope people can see the positive impact it is having and would back our continued support for it.”
The EPiC project saw a special task force established last year to combat the long-standing scourge of litter and fly-tipping in the West End of Newcastle. It has also sought to take on issues with graffiti, anti-social behaviour, substance abuse, crime and deprivation.
Liberal Democrat councillor Peter Lovatt welcomed the continuation of what he called “an essential resource for the council to help us deal with low-level crime and anti-social behaviour”. Speaking at a finance scrutiny committee meeting before Christmas, Coun Lovatt said: “I have used the team in my ward on more than one occasion, they have been to visit and support us with the electric motorcycles that have been a problem around the city. It would be nice to see it expanded across the city and provide support to all wards.”
The council’s budget proposals, which are currently out for consultation, include more than £21 million of savings – with plans to raise council tax by 4.99% and increase garden waste collection fees. But the council is also planning to put aside £142,000 to increase its grass-cutting capacity and £165,000 to continue a trial project removing chewing gum from streets.
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