Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Murray.  Councillor Barnfather attended as a substitute.

RESOLVED:

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

Councillor Rachael Ellis declared a personal interest in item 4 as the wife of the Portfolio Holder.

Report of the Democratic Services Officer.

The committee welcomed Councillor David Ellis, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection, who attended the meeting to discuss a range of responsibilities that fall within his Portfolio, and to assist the committee’s annual requirement to examine the work of the Community Safety Partnership.  David Jayne, Community Safety and Partnership Manager, and Sam Palmer, Food Health and Housing Manager, also attended the meeting.

Councillor Ellis discussed a range of issues and answered a number of questions that had been sent to him in advance of the meeting.

It was explained that:

·         There had been a drop in recorded crime because of less opportunity due to the Covid lockdown and an increase in proactive policing. This requires the police to monitor criminal activity and respond by deploying additional resources to areas of concern.

·         Anti-social behaviour has increased and targeted work is being undertaken by the police and borough officers.

·         Concerns regarding the increase in domestic abuse were being addressed. The changing nature of types of abuse and mechanisms to improve the response to cases of, and support for, victims was discussed.

·         The current local policing priorities are speeding, residential burglary and drug supply.

·         The Selective Licensing Scheme is working well and is being expanded to include Carlton Hill, Colwick, Daybrook and Newstead Village.

·         The South Nottinghamshire Community Safety Partnership works to keep partners involved, shares best practice and offers members mutual support and assistance.

·         Covid Marshalls have no enforcement powers but have a role to engage, encourage and educate the public.

RESOLVED to:

1)    Thank Councillor Ellis for his attendance;

2)    Request additional information relating to the breakdown of incidents of antisocial behaviour; and

3)    Note the information.

Report of the Democratic Services Officer.

Joelle Davies, Service Manager for Economic Growth and Regeneration, and Paul Whitworth, Housing and Welfare Manager, attended the committee and discussed work to improve performance against the approved indicator relating to the average time spent in temporary accommodation. 

During discussion the following points were highlighted:

·         The increased need for temporary accommodation and the work being undertaken to prevent the threat of homelessness and the number of people presenting as homeless.

·         The necessary current use of Bed and Breakfast accommodation

·         Initiatives to improve the provision of temporary accommodation and the successful bid to secure additional units of accommodation

·         The need to increase access to permanent affordable accommodation.

RESOLVED to:

1)    Ask officers to attend committee to update on further  developments when approved by Cabinet; and

2)    Note the information.

Report of the Democratic Services Officer.

2020/2021 Scrutiny Work Programme

Scrutiny Working Groups

Planning Policy White Paper ‘Planning for the Future’ Consultation

Members were informed that their response to the proposals had been forwarded to the Planning Policy Officer.

Flooding

Members were updated on the progress of the working group which is examining flooding in the borough.

After discussion it was agreed to start a review that would examine issues related to domestic abuse specifically the provision of temporary/refuge accommodation.

Working group members: Councillors Barnes, Boyle, Clunie, Ellis and Paling.

Scrutiny in Committee

Members requested that a detailed breakdown of anti-social incidents in the borough be available for the January committee.

It was agreed that Councillor Hollingsworth, Portfolio Holder for Growth and Regeneration be invited to the March committee.

RESOLVED to

1)    Note the information relating to the ongoing scrutiny working groups;

2)    Commence a review relating to domestic abuse and the provision of temporary accommodation;

3)    Receive information regarding anti-social incidents in the borough; and

4)    Invite Councillor Hollingsworth to the March committee.

Report of the Democratic Services Officer.

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

RESOLVED:

To note the information.

None.