Agenda item

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 that a training session on safeguarding is arranged for all Members.