Agenda and minutes

Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday, 15^th October 2014 (previously circulated). 

The Minutes of the meeting held on 15^th October 2014 were signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

A presentation will be provided by the Police. 

The Chairman welcomed Superintendent Nicki Evans, Inspector Nigel Parkinson and Inspector Kirsty Banks-Lyon to the meeting.

Members were given an update on the recent review of Neighbourhood Policing and how this would impact on PACT meetings and current neighbourhood policing methods. It was reported that neighbourhood policing was focusing on those at risk, those who were vulnerable in society working with partners and voluntary groups.

The current format of PACT meetings was an opportunity for local people to meet their neighbourhood team monthly and let them know their concerns locally and hear what the neighbourhood police team were currently working on. The disadvantages of this that had emerged over the years was that it was usually the same faces at the meetings and the same issues each meeting with limited involvement from the wider body of partner agencies.

The police were proposing to continue with PACT meetings where there was good engagement, but to use established drop-in sessions to meet the community and also increase the use of technology such as social media.

The Committee asked a number of questions relating to community involvement and the changes to neighbourhood policing.

Members went on to discuss the importance of PCSOs and their contribution to neighbourhood policing.

Resolved :-

That Superintendent Nicki Evans, Inspector Nigel Parkinson and Inspector Kirsty Banks-Lyon be thanked for their attendance at the meeting.

Councillor David Smith has been invited to attend the meeting. 

The Chairman welcomed Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Community Safety and Clean and Green, the Chief Officer (Environment) and the Community Safety and Safeguarding Officer to the meeting.

Councillor Smith gave the Committee an overview of his portfolio and his role as Chairman of the Community Safety Partnership. With regard to recycling, it was reported that the cost sharing funding given by the County Council to District Councils (worth nearly £1.25 million to Lancaster City Council) each year was being reviewed and as things stand would no longer be provided beyond 2017/18.

A review of waste collection throughout the County was to be undertaken however Lancaster was one of the few authorities that provided this service in house and was therefore in a stronger position than some other authorities who were tied into contracts for many years and therefore did not have the same scope to make savings in the service that was provided.

A number of questions were asked relating to Councillor Smith’s portfolio.

Resolved :-

That Councillor David Smith be thanked for his attendance at the meeting.

A PowerPoint presentation will be provided. 

The Committee considered information that had been provided by the Community Safety Partnership on the 5 issues that were key concerns for the Lancaster District :

·         Domestic Abuse

·         Road Safety

·         Violent Crime

·         Anti-Social Behaviour

·         Substance Misuse

The performance in the 5 priority areas over the last 12 months was illustrated in graphs that had been circulated to Members. It was noted that in some cases an increase in reporting could be considered a positive as it meant people were confident enough to report the incidents, whereas before they may not have felt they could.

Concern was raised over the ‘spikes’ that were seen over the summer months in road accidents and anti-social behaviour. It was noted that could be due to the good weather and lighter nights.

Resolved :-

That the update be noted.

Please find attached.    

The Chief Officer (Environment) gave Members information on the new powers available to authorities under the Anti-social Behaviour Crime & Policing Act 2014 that had come into force in October 2014.

The new legislation introduced 6 new powers to combat anti-social behaviour :

·         Civil Injunctions

·         Criminal Behaviour Order

·         Community Protection Notice

·         Public Spaces Protection Order

·         Closure Power

·         Police Dispersal Powers

It was reported that the Act introduced of the Community Trigger which gave victims of anti-social behaviour the opportunity to request a multi-agency case review which agencies had a duty to respond to.

Members were advised that in the Lancaster district, measures were already in place to deal with such issues such as the Multi Agencies Partnership (MAPS) and the Anti-Social Behaviour Risk Assessment Conference (ASBRAC). There were, however, no new resources to implement the new powers for either the City Council or the agencies involved.

The Committee went on to discuss the ongoing issues with anti-social behaviour at Ridge Square, Lancaster and how the new powers could possiblyalleviate the problem.

It was agreed that an update on the Ridge Square issue be provided for the Committee in 6 months.

Resolved :-

That the report be noted and the Committee be provided with an update on the impact of the new powers on the Ridge Square issue in 6 months.

A verbal briefing will be provided. 

Members were provided with an update on the current situation regarding the City Council’s CCTV provision.

It was reported that the current system was outdated and in need of replacement. Members were reminded that the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire was currently undergoing a review of CCTV across the County.

The Committee was informed that direction would be sought from Cabinet to check that CCTV was something the Council wanted to continue to fund in the medium to long term. If it was something the Council wished to fund investment would be required.

Members discussed CCTV provision within Lancaster and the suggestion that local businesses that benefit from the night time economy should contribute to the cost of the CCTV provision in the city centre.

Resolved :-

That the update be noted.