Issue - meetings

Report of the Democratic Services Manager

Members welcomed Councillor David Ellis to the meeting to conduct the annual review of the Community Safety Partnership and to examine the Public Protection Portfolio.

Councillor Ellis delivered a presentation covering the following in response to questions identified by members at the last meeting:

·         All reported crime over the last year had decreased during the covid-19 pandemic although online crime did increase. Anti-Social Behaviour incidents did increase dramatically as a result of complaints made in relation to covid-19 restrictions, although more generally ASB reports increased as more residents were spending longer at home. After the pandemic, crime is still at a lower than expected level. There remained a difference between self-reported and police recorded crime. It was clear from crime statistics that attempts to commit cyber/online crime were very high.

·         So far in 2021, as the county has emerged from the pandemic, crime levels are starting to rise when compared to 2020 but overall crime was down when compared with 2019.

·         Reported crime figures for the South Nottinghamshire Area were similar in terms of trends in different parts of the County.

·         Drugs Offences, Residential Burglary and Anti-Social behaviour were the three police priorities for the most recent quarter and various actions to address these were discussed.

·         In terms of CCTV provision, it was explained that a balance between protecting the public and people’s right to freedom is difficult to strike. Investment in camera equipment has taken place and additional cameras installed at “hot spots” with particular success in car parks.

·         The Safer Nottinghamshire Community Safety Partnership continued to meet virtually throughout the lockdown and despite a reduction in grant finding, the Nottinghamshire Group remained engaged.

·         Information was given about the Council’s work on improving housing conditions. This was partly done through the Better Care Fund which included Disabled Facilities Grants, Warm Homes on Prescription and supported living grants. Energy Companies were also obliged to offer funding which included the Green Homes Hub scheme to retrofit homes with insulation.

·         The work of the Food Hygiene and Safety Team was highlighted with the majority of Gedling food businesses being judged as “very good.” It was pointed out that it was not mandatory for food business to display their food hygiene ratings. The Food Hygiene and Safety Team had been assisting businesses to comply with Natasha’s Law which now required clearer allergy information.

·         In terms of Safeguarding, another area members had been keen to explore, the link between anti-social behaviour and safeguarding was discussed. The issue of what training could be tailored for Members was also considered. Elected Members were always encouraged to share concerns on safeguarding and a discussion on potential training took place. Members expressed the view that training for elected members should be arranged as it would be useful.

It was noted that Members would discuss potential topics/areas of concern in the Health and Wellbeing Portfolio after they had received Quarter 2 performance information.

RESOLVED to

1)    Thank Councillor Ellis for his attendance and the information provided; and

2)    Recommend  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19

Report of the Democratic Services Manager

Members welcomed Councillor Peter Barnes to the meeting to examine the Environment Portfolio.

No questions or areas of concerned had been notified in advance of the meeting so Councillor Barnes started by paying tribute to the hard work and dedication of the Council’s refuse crews who had been delivering a consistent service throughout the covid-19 pandemic. He added that the team was aware of the high numbers of missed bin collections, which were often due to blocked streets, and steps to address this were underway.

With the climate change agenda in mind, Councillor Barnes also acknowledged that that steps needed to be taken to make the Council’s fleet more environmentally friendly, although the very steep hills in the Borough made currently available electric vehicles unsuitable. He added that a national waste and recycling consultation was underway which would lead to future changes in waste operations and officers awaited the outcome of this.

Specifically on recycling rates, Members commented on the difficulty in comparing recycling rates with other areas, particularly where other areas may be more affluent.

Councillor Murray joined the meeting.

Further to the comments made on missed bins, the issue of missed bins due to cars blocking streets was discussed. The Director of Environment, Communities and Leisure added that the issue was currently having a negative effect on the council’s operations as crews were having to return on a different day. There were plans in place to introduce a system of being able to warn registered keepers of vehicles which may lead to a fixed penalty for vehicles that persistently blocked roads. Work was also ongoing with the county council to look at parking controls for some streets where this was appropriate

The issue of HGV driver shortages was discussed. Officers were keeping this under review but currently Gedling was not being negatively affected.

The Committee next went on to discuss the report from the Waste Working Group and the draft waste policy and the Committee was given an overview of proposed the Policy and the work undertaken by the group. The Committee welcomed the draft policy as a useful clarification of the rules and expectations around household waste.

Specifically within the policy, concern was expressed about replacement/new black bins being 180 litres rather than 240. The rationale for this was to encourage more recycling but the Council would always consider requests for larger bins where there was a large family, a medical reason or other exceptional reasons as set out in the draft policy.

Members next discussed the November agenda and specifically the areas that they would like to scrutinise in respect of the Public Protection portfolio. The meeting would also provide the opportunity for the Committee to carry out its statutory duty to examine the Local Community Safety Partnership.
It was decided to concentrate on the following areas/questions:

·         To seek an overview of crime statistics in the Borough

·         Examine CCTV provision, specifically issues around what the council is and isn’t allowed to use it for, what more  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11