Agenda item

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 compare trends across South Nottinghamshire. The Police and Gedling Borough have differing responsibilities but where there is overlap the Crime and Disorder partnership is able to maximise benefits. The structure of the Partnership facilitates joint work and keeps partners involved, allows pooling of resources and provides mutual support and intelligence.

RESOLVED

·         To thank Councillor Ellis for his presentation

·         Note the report; and

·         Note that Councillor V McCrossen and Gregory will be attending the next meeting to discuss their portfolios.

Councillor Thomas joined the meeting at 5.50 pm.