Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors S Smith, S Barnes and Feeney.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the above meeting, having been circulated, be approved as a correct record.

Councillor R Ellis declared a non-pecuniary interest for the agenda item presented by Councillor D Ellis.

Report of the Democratic Services Officer.

Councillor D Ellis, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection attended the meeting to discuss areas of responsibility in his Portfolio and to assist members of the committee with their annual duty to examine the work of the Crime and Disorder Partnership. He gave a brief overview of all areas, and discussed in greater depth some topics of concern.

Members were informed that overall crime levels have increased by 11.2% and that domestic crime was driving this increase.  Anti-Social Behaviour continues a downward trend, 2.7% over the last year.  Terrorism and domestic extremism are still an issue.   The recorded crime statistics for 6 months to September 2019 compared to September 2018 were discussed.   Residential burglary, which includes sheds increased by 18.8%.

Local concerns, including knife crime, have been proactively addressed.  This is in the main a young person, town centre issue with perpetrators known to each other. Resources have been put into the Youth Service to engage with young people to address this concern.

Fly tipping continues to be a problem; prosecutions can be taken if evidence is available. There has been no increase in tips since the County Council registration scheme.

Domestic violence is a continuing area of concern and misogyny has been adopted by the police as a hate crime.

Modern slavery is an issue and joint inspections with the city police of premises where this is prevalent, including nail bars, car washes and agriculture is undertaken.

Modern slavery can include exploitation, income deprivation, coercion and human trafficking and councillors should be aware of their role in identifying and referring victims and ensuring supply chains are free from modern slavery. 

Gedling works in partnership with the neighbourhood policing team and the police response team which is now is based at Jubilee House.  This has improved liaison with neighbourhood wardens, who now have additional powers and use body cameras, this has increased their effectiveness.

The benefits of the Landlords Selective Licensing in Netherfield in improving the condition of rented accommodation were explained.  Out of 635 rented properties in Netherfield 541 have registered, 201 have been inspected of which 159 needed essential repair with 23 requiring immediate action. The focus is currently on those land lords that have registered and action will be taken to identify those that haven’t. Initiatives to improve living conditions include the employment of a Housing to Health Officer to give advice and support to secure improved housing, the Empty Homes Officer who supports people to bring back houses into use and the Disabled Facilities Grant when enables low income residents to have adaptions to help them to live at home.

The Council contributes to the South Nottinghamshire Community Safety Partnership (SNCP), playing an active role at officer and political level.  Delivery is through partners at a local level. In the past CSPs had access to money, however is now having to make considerably less money go further and it is important to keep agencies tied in to the agenda.  It receives performance reports and is able to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 67.

Report of the Democratic Services Officer.

CABINET RESPONSE TO THE HOUSEHOLD RECYCLING REVIEW

Members were disappointed with the response to the review. 

There was a discussion regarding the clarity of leaflets, how they are distributed, the issuing of bin stickers and the layout of the domestic waste calendar.

Members decided that this was an issue that they would discuss in greater detail when the Portfolio Holder for the Environment, Councillor P Barnes, attends the committee in March.

VISITS TO CARLTON CONTACT CENTRE.

The information regarding the favoured day for opening was noted.

GEDLING HOMES RIGHT TO BUY

Members welcomed the information and asked for confirmation that any homes sold using this scheme were replaced.

EXPLAINATION OF DATA TRENDS

The report explaining how trends data is interpreted was discussed. Members felt that the headings were confusing and suggested that Trend Compared to a Year Ago would be clearer if it was replaced with Trend Compared to Average of Last 4 periods or Previous 4 quarters. It was agreed that this suggestion will be forwarded to the Performance Projects Officer.

REFUSE STICKERS

This had been discussed earlier in the meeting.

SCRUTINY WORKING GROUPS

The information relating to the Executive-Scrutiny Protocol was noted.  A meeting of the working group will be arranged as soon as an amended draft is ready for circulation.

It was explained that the scope for the Economic Development working group now, called The Opportunity to Intervene for Social and Economic Reasons working group, had been amended but there were not significant changes to the direction of the review.  The focus on the social benefits arising from the purchase of property to improve residents quality of life was discussed and it was agreed that this criteria could also be applied to planning applications and that this was a potential area for future examination.

It was agreed that a working group would be established to take part in the consultation on the Housing Allocations Policy.

SCRUTINY IN COMMITTEE

The dates for the attendance of Portfolio Holders and the additional committee date were noted.

Councillor Ellwood left the meeting at 7:00 pm

RESOLVED to:

                      I.        Defer the discussion regarding the Household Recycling Review until the Portfolio Holder attends the March Committee

                    II.        Note the information regarding the Carlton Contact Centre and the issuing of bin stickers

                   III.        Request clarification regarding the replacement of properties sold under Gedling Homes Right to Buy scheme

                  IV.        Contact the Performance and Projects Officer regarding the suggestion for clarification of the headings of the Trends data

                    V.        Note the information regarding the attendance of Portfolio Holders and the additional date.

Report of the Democratic Services Officer.

Members considered a report, which had been circulated in advance of the meeting, which included information on items referred to the chair as required by the constitution.

During discussion concern was raised regarding one of the reports regarding the provision of play equipment and surface material at Carnarvon Grove.  Members asked for additional information relating to this particular report and that additional information to be available for all reports at future committees.

RESOLVED to:

Request information relating the Carnarvon Grove report and clarify access to information regarding report relating to contracts.

None.