Agenda and minutes

Members are requested to declare the existence and nature of any disclosable pecuniary interest and/or other interest in any item on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 6 June 2019.

The minutes of the meeting held on 6 June 2019 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

To request approval of an updated policy in respect of anti-social behaviour (ASB) case reviews requested under the provisions of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Part 6 of the Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB), Crime and Policing Act 2014 came into force on 13 May 2014. The Act contains provisions which give victims of persistent ASB the ability to demand a formal case review where the locally defined threshold is met. In Broxtowe, this has been set at the statutory maximum of three qualifying complaints of ASB in a six-month period.

Inspector Simon Riley gave an update on local policing issues and members considered the updated Policy in respect of ASB case reviews which was requested under the provisions of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

It was queried whether online ASB should be included within the Policy. Officers responded that the Policy had been compiled and agreed by a number of stakeholder groups. The Council was in a position to signpost victims of online ASB to the relevant specialist groups.

Councillor E Kerry proposed an amendment to the recommendation, which was seconded by Councillor L Fletcher, that the following be added: ‘that further work be undertaken to ascertain whether to include online ASB in the Policy at a later date.’

On being put to the meeting, the amendment was lost.

            RESOLVED that the Anti-Social Behaviour Case Review Policy be approved.

To provide members with further information in respect of dog fouling in parks and open spaces and to seek a decision on relevant signage.

At its meeting on 6 June 2019, the Committee received a report on dog fouling and the relevant controls which are in place. A request was made to ascertain details of signage and further information in respect of dog fouling in parks and open spaces in addition to relevant signage was provided.

RECOMMENDED to the Finance and Resources Committee that signage be provided in parks and open spaces where none currently exists and that signage be replaced as necessary.

To seek approval for a Serious and Organised Crime Strategy.

The Committee was informed that although the National Crime Agency leads the United Kingdom’s fight to cut serious and organised crime, it was essential that the approach involved action and input from all relevant partner agencies. Public sector organisations and law enforcement agencies, including councils, police, health, social care, education services and immigration enforcement, had a duty to protect the wellbeing of their local communities.

The proposed Strategy set out the actions Broxtowe Borough Council would take to contribute to the targeting and disruption of serious and organised crime and members requested that statistics be returned to the Committee in a year’s time. It was further stated that councillors and officers should undergo training where possible on the matter.

RESOLVED that the Serious Organised Crime Strategy be approved.

To advise the Committee of an updated  Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement for 2018-19.

The Modern Slavery Act 2015 (the Act) consolidates various offences relating to human trafficking and slavery. Section 54 of the Act imposes a legal duty on commercial organisations, which supply goods and/or services from or to the UK and have a global turnover of more than £36 million, to publish a slavery and human trafficking statement each financial year. Broxtowe Borough Council engages in commercial activities by providing services and its annual turnover is greater than the specified £36 million.

Whilst the Modern Slavery Act 2015 does not state that local authorities specifically are included in those organisations legally required to publish a statement, many do so as a matter of good practice. At its meeting on 12 December 2018, the Community Safety Committee resolved that Broxtowe Borough Council should produce an annual statement.

RESOLVED that the Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement 2018/19 be approved.

To invite Councillors to consider committing the Council to signing a Hate crime pledge.

Hate crime was an issue which needed to be tackled by every organisation and required partnership working with the police and other organisations.

          RESOLVED that the Chair of the Community Safety Committee be authorised to sign the Hate Crime Pledge on behalf of Broxtowe Borough Council.

To report progress against outcome targets identified in the Community Safety and Health Business Plan, linked to Corporate Plan priorities and objectives, and to provide an update as to the latest key performance indicators therein.

Members noted the progress made in achieving the Business Plan for Community Safety and Health in addition to the current key performance indicators for 2019/20.

To consider items for inclusion in the Work Programme for future meetings.

Members considered the Work Programme and stated that items on the location of knife bins in the Borough, an update on the ASB Action Plan, a presentation from the Pythian Club and a standing item on an update from Inspector Simon Riley be included in future agendas.

RESOLVED that the Work Programme, as amended, be approved.