At its full council meeting on 15 July, Knowsley Council agreed a Notice of Motion that sets out a series of practical measures aimed at reducing knife-related harm across the borough. The motion was moved by Cllr Chantelle Lunt and seconded by Cllr Ria Rembadi, and received cross-party support including from the council leader and the leader of the opposition.
What the motion commits the council to
Members framed the motion as an evidence-based approach to preventing serious violence, with the stated aim of protecting families and public spaces throughout Knowsley. The measures passed by councillors include steps that affect council procurement, partnership working, education and community engagement.
- Procurement review: a pledge to examine purchasing policies and to favour rounded-end kitchen knives for council services and commissioned settings where appropriate.
- Knife replacement schemes: working with partners to offer safer alternatives in situations where risk is identified and where funding permits.
- Prevention and education: boosting public awareness, age-appropriate safeguarding conversations in schools and community networks, and using public-health channels to disseminate information.
- Member and community advocacy: councillors will be asked to champion the campaign within their wards, and residents are encouraged to speak openly about knife harm to raise awareness.
- Support for national work: backing external initiatives such as the Let’s Be Blunt campaign, which promotes safer design and evidence-led prevention.
Speakers at the meeting described the motion as a means to embed prevention into council practice and create longer-term system change. Members acknowledged the ongoing toll of knife crime across Merseyside and emphasised a local response that combines practical interventions with education and partnership working.
“I’m pleased to move this motion on preventing knife related harm. There has been progress in reducing knife related harm and serious violence across Merseyside…But progress does not mean the job is done…”
How the proposals translate into action
The motion outlines a mixed approach, combining policy adjustments with community-facing activity. The table below summarises the principal actions agreed by councillors.
| Action | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Procurement review | Reduce access to dangerous kitchen knives within council-run and commissioned settings |
| Knife replacement schemes | Provide safer alternatives where individuals are at risk |
| Education & awareness | Increase prevention conversations in schools and communities |
For residents and community groups, the motion signals increased council engagement on prevention work and an invitation to partner with local services. The detail of implementation—such as funding for replacement schemes and the scope of procurement changes—will be determined as officers and partners develop the agreed measures.
Council decisions of this kind set policy direction and can shape how agencies coordinate at a local level. The success of the motion will depend on the translation of these commitments into funded, sustainable programmes and on continued partnership across Knowsley and Merseyside.
