Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Grace Stephens (Bromley Youth Council).

Apologies were also received from Councillor Richard Williams.

Councillor Mike Rutherford sent apologies for arriving late.   

There were no declarations of interest.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, questions to this Committee must be received in writing 4 working days before the date of the meeting.  Therefore please ensure questions are received by the Democratic Services Team by 5pm on the 26^th November 2014.

There were no questions from Councillors or Members of the Public.

The Committee considered the minutes of the meeting of Public Protection and Safety PDS Committee held on 1st October 2014.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 1^st October 2014 be agreed.

Report CSD 14157

Members considered Matters Arising from previous meetings.

The Chairman enquired if there had been any news concerning the possible commissioning of the Public Protection Portfolio.

The Portfolio Holder answered that progress was slow and ongoing at this stage, and there was little to report other than the Portfolio had gone out to market testing. It was anticipated that an update report may be available mid-2015. The Executive Director of Environment and Community Services informed the Committee that a report concerning possible commissioning of the Portfolio had been presented to the Executive on the 15^th October 2014, and that there was going to be a bundled package that would need fine tuning.

Councillor Peter Fortune enquired if the bundling of the contract would involve other Portfolios. It was confirmed that this was likely to be the case, but that  it would be Members who would make any final decisions. It was also the case that the Portfolio may end up remaining in house.

Councillor Douglas Auld remarked that eighteen months ago, the Committee had been informed that any commissioning proposals would be undertaken in three stages, and that part of the process would involve referrals to PDS Committees and to the Executive. Councillor Auld expressed concern that this process was not being adhered to, and that the PDS Committee was not being properly informed. Councillor Auld stated that it was time that a presentation was made to the Committee to provide a proper explanation of what was happening. The Chairman and the Portfolio Holder agreed that a presentation should be made to the Public Protection and Safety PDS Committee.

The Portfolio Holder suggested that it would be a good idea to call Councillor Graham Arthur (Portfolio Holder for Resources) and Marc Hume (Director of Renewal and Recreation) to appear before the Public Protection and Safety PDS Committee to inform Members with respect to the commissioning of the Portfolio, and to answer any questions that Members may have.

Councillor Auld informed Members that approximately ten days prior to the meeting of the Committee, he went to visit a department of the council, only to find that there was no-one there. It appeared that their roles had been contracted out. Councillor Auld expressed concern that Councillors were unaware of these developments.

It was agreed that Councillor Arthur and Marc Hume should be called to a future meeting of the Committee to provide an update on the Commissioning process; Councillor Cartwright requested a briefing paper outlining how the commissioning process worked.

It was noted that the Head of Trading Standards had approached MOPAC to see if any funding could be provided to assist with the implementation of the Community Trigger Procedure. Members would be updated in due course.

It was noted that Councillor Cartwright had been updated with respect to bye-laws and signage concerning problems with dogs in the Mottingham area. Councillor Cartwright remained hopeful that the Portfolio Holder would release funding in this financial year for signage. 

The Chairman updated the Committee as follows:

a)  The Chairman and the Portfolio Holder attended a meeting of the Bromley Youth Council Executive on the 6^th November 2014. The BYC provided an update on their two campaigns, one of which was tackling Domestic Abuse.

b)  On the 20^th November 2014, the Chairman attended a visit to the police dog training centre at Keston. The Chairman was accompanied by Members of the PPS/PDS Committee and other interested Councillors.

c)  The Chairman reminded the Committee about the MOPAC Roadshow that was scheduled for the 11^th December 2014.

d)  Members would be offered the opportunity to visit the new Fire Station in Orpington during January 2015, before it officially opened in March 2015.

e)  There was going to be a CCTV Open day in 2015 organised by Mr Jim McGowan—details to follow.

f)  The next meetings of the Committee were scheduled for February 3^rd 2015, and April 8^th 2015.

RESOLVED that the Chairman’s Update be noted. 

The Police Update was provided by the Deputy Borough Commander, Superintendent  Parm Sandhu.

The statistical data relating to MOPAC 7 targets was positive. Overall crime was down, and theft and burglary crime figures had reduced. There was however an increase in the number of crimes with injury; non-domestic abuse was up by 23%, and domestic abuse had increased by 15%. It was noted that there had been a change in the way that offences against the person were being reported. Previously, minor assaults against the person would have been classified as “actual bodily harm”, but under the new reporting procedures, they were classified as “grievous bodily harm” instead; this had resulted in an increase in the number of serious offences against the person recorded.

The Deputy Borough Commander informed the Committee that the response time for Bromley Police when dealing with emergency (I) calls, was good. During October 2014, 91.4% of I calls were responded to within the target time, and in November this response time was maintained in 91.8% of calls.

The Deputy Borough Commander advised the Committee that Operation Equinox was currently ongoing; this was an operation to reduce the number of crimes involving injury, and was concentrated in Beckenham Town Centre.

The police had resourced one sergeant and six police constables to this task. This was taking place on Friday and Saturday nights, and the police were using a meet and greet policy. Additionally, many of the licensing establishments had employed extra stewards at key times to aid dispersal and to encourage the public to leave promptly in taxis. Street Pastors were also being used to help diffuse situations.

The Committee were informed that Operation “Bumble Bee” was also in operation, and that this was an initiative designed to reduce burglary. One sergeant and four police constables had been allocated to this task, supported by the Territorial Support Group. There had been a spate of robberies recently at various Tesco Express sites in Bromley, Kent and Croydon. Two offenders had now been arrested and charged with ten offences.

Councillor Botting enquired why the burglary rates had dropped. The Deputy Borough Commander responded that this was due to a variety of reasons, including better intelligence, the use of marked cars, the use of a dedicated burglary car, and secondary investigations by CID. Also, more offenders were being caught and were being kept in custody for longer. 

The Committee heard that the recent evacuation of the INTU shopping centre in Bromley, was caused by a suspicious van parked in a staff parking area. It transpired that the vehicle belonged to a painter and decorator, and that was why there were barrels and wires observable in the vehicle. The evacuation of the centre had taken forty five minutes, and the Deputy Borough Commander was pleased with that. Councillor Cartwright expressed his congratulations to the police for a speedy and efficient evacuation. 

Councillor Auld asked what the current levels of police staffing were. The Deputy Borough Commander answered that staffing levels  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, questions to this Committee must be received in writing 4 working days before the date of the meeting.  Therefore please ensure questions are received by the Democratic Services Team by 5pm on 26^th November 2014.

There were no questions from Councillors or Members of the Public.

Members of the Committee are encouraged to put questions to the Portfolio Holder.

Two questions were received from the Vice Chairman.

“Can the Portfolio Holder please expand upon plans to combat fly tipping and rubbish dumping in the borough, especially in the countryside lanes in the East and North East of the Cray Valley East Ward.”

The Portfolio Holder answered that LBB were working with Security Companies to combat these issues, and that various means, including covert camera work, was being employed. The resources were available, and a prosecution was due shortly.

“Can the Portfolio Holder please explain what powers LBB has to enforce Responsible Social Landlords to clear fly tipping and rubbish from communal areas, open spaces and garages on the land for which they have responsibility”.

It was clarified to the Committee that LBB did have powers depending on the circumstances. LBB could take action if fly tipping was causing nuisance and or harbourage for rats. 

RESOLVED that the questions to the Portfolio Holder from the Vice Chairman be noted.

The Portfolio Holder informed the Committee that the dog contracts had been extended by six months. The Portfolio Holder updated the Committee with respect to gaps in LBB’s CCTV network in the vicinity of the Odeon Cinema in Bromley. It was now the case that this issue had been resolved with the installation of three CCTV cameras covering the Hill Car Park near the cinema. These had been installed at a good price, and were covering an area that was a known black spot for gangs.

The Portfolio Holder updated the Committee with respect to initiatives taken to combat fly tipping. These involved placing tracking devices on lorries, the covert placement of cameras, and intelligence led investigations. A prosecution was due shortly, which would be publicised as a deterrent.

The Portfolio Holder appraised the Committee concerning the issue of gangs in Bromley. Bromley had previously been gang free, but in recent months had been suffering from the placement of “gang nominals” in the Borough. The Portfolio Holder felt that the correct protocols were not being adhered to by other boroughs. Gangs had now been identified in Penge, the Crays and Mottingham, and the Portfolio Holder had recently attended a Gangs Review meeting. It was the case that other boroughs had been placing gang nominals in Bromley without informing LBB or the police. LBB had written to the offending Boroughs to complain.

The placement of gang nominals in Bromley seemed to be correlated to an increase in crime levels in the Borough. One of the main gangs identified was the “Bromley South Cartel” also known as “The Murder Squad.” Links with gangs in Bromley schools had been identified, and there were concerns about grooming. It was now the case that Bromley was an emerging gang borough, but LBB and Bromley Police were determined to do all that they could to prevent this from worsening, and to look at what measures could be adopted to reverse this trend. This was an issue that the Executive would be looking into as a priority.

The Portfolio Holder advised the Committee that an approach was going to be made to MOPAC to release funding that could be used to help tackle the gangs problem in Bromley.

Councillor Fortune asked:

·  What was the process for “dumping” gang nominals in Bromley?

·  What constituted a Gang?

·  What was the social composition of the Bromley South Cartel?

The Portfolio Holder answered that the gang nominals were placed in LBB by other local authority housing services, by probation services, and by designated gang units. The placements would normally be to a Registered Social Landlord, which in LBB’s case would usually be Affinity Sutton. It was often the case that LBB would not be told about these placements. The Portfolio Holder felt that it was important in such cases for Affinity Sutton to remind the families of those placed under this programme, that they had social responsibilities with respect to their tenancies and behaviour, and that they may lose their tenancies  ...  view the full minutes text for item 46.

An update will be provided concerning the last meeting of the Safer Bromley Partnership Strategic Group that met on the 30^th October 2014.

It was noted that the Safer Bromley Partnership Strategic Group last met on the 30th September 2014. A high number of apologies were received and so the attendance was low.

The Portfolio Holder informed Members that the MOPAC Roadshow was scheduled for the 11th December 2014, commencing at 6.30pm, and ending at 8.00pm. The Panel would consist of the Deputy Mayor for Policing, Stephen Greenhalgh, Assistant Commissioner Helen King, and Mr Chris Hafford, the Borough Commander for Bromley Police. 

An update was provided on Operation Crystal, piloted by Mr Peter Sibley (ASB Co-ordinator). The Committee heard that ASB offenders were being targeted on the Groves Estate in Penge, and in selected areas in Mottingham, and the Crays. The Portfolio Holder felt that there had been a rise in the confidence of the local population as a result of this activity. Work  undertaken included:

^·  removal of rubbish

^·  removal of cars

^·  working with Registered Social Landlords to remind anti-social tenants that they may be liable for eviction if they failed to improve their behaviour

^·  police raids 

^·  areas cleaned.

The Portfolio Holder felt that Operation Crystal had been very successful.  

A short update was provided by Chief Inspector David Tait concerning the Safer Neighbourhood Review, and the Portfolio Holder gave an update on the Safer Neighbourhood Board Crime Summit. This had been a well-attended event with ninety attendees.

Bromley Healthcare advised on smoking cessation activities and the opportunities for partnership working in the area of Child Sexual Exploitation.

A discussion was held regarding the Community Trigger and Bromley Council’s preparation for its launch. It was felt that the Borough was in a strong position to meet this demand because of LBB’s ASB processes, but it was anticipated that this would mean an increase in workload and in responsibility for LBB. 

Councillor Kim Botting praised Sam Littley from Affinity Sutton, and Peter Sibley, for obtaining three eviction notices against the perpetrators of ASB in Saltwood Close, Orpington. 

RESOLVED that the Safer Bromley Partnership Strategic Group Update be noted. 

No update was required.

A presentation was given to the Committee by Dr Paul Lehane JP ( Head of Service for Food, Licensing, Safety, and Emergency Planning).

The presentation encompassed the following areas:

·  Food Safety

·  Licensing

·  Health and Safety

·  Corporate Safety

·  Emergency Planning

Councillor Peter Fortune enquired if LBB was in a position to provide emergency planning training to other boroughs. Dr Lehane replied that LBB were not in a position to facilitate this currently.

Councillor Cartwright asked if Mr James Cook (Emergency Planning and Corporate Resilience Manager) held meetings  with the Borough Commander. Dr Lehane responded that Mr Cook did meet with the Borough Commander at the Borough Resilience Forum. 

Councillor Botting enquired if food premises were closed immediately in certain circumstances. Dr Lehane responded that in some cases where conditions were particularly bad, a food business could be closed immediately by a Food Safety Officer who served an emergency hygiene prohibition notice on the business to effect the closure. The Food Safety Officer must the apply within three days to the Magistrates Court for a court order confirming the closure. The main areas where these problems seemed to be concentrated were Penge, Anerley and Mottingham.

RESOLVED that the contents of the presentation be noted.   

Report FSD14074

Councillor Auld raised two questions concerning the Mortuary and Coroners Service as outlined in Appendix 1 of the report. Councillor Auld asked if the delayed budget reports from LBB Croydon had now been released, and why the new mortuary contract had not been finalised.

The Executive Director of Environmental and Community Services agreed to look into both issues, and to update the Committee in due course. 

The Committee noted that there was currently an underspend of £35,000 within the Community Safety Budget.

RESOLVED that:

(1) the latest 2014/15 budget projection for the Public Protection and Safety Portfolio be endorsed

(2) the progress of the implementation of the targeted Neighbourhood Activity Project be noted

(3) the Executive Director of Environmental and Community Services update the Committee in due course concerning the delayed budget report from LBB Croydon, and the new mortuary contact with the Princess Royal University Hospital. 

Report  ES14102

Councillor Douglas Auld was pleased to note the successful number of prosecutions and costs associated with offences under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. It was noted that the costs would be awarded to LBB.

Councillor Peter Fortune was disappointed to note that fly tipping fines were low, and felt that magistrates did not understand the local authority costs involved. The Committee were informed that the council could issue fixed penalty notices as an alternative to court action.

RESOLVED  that:        

(1) the contents of the report be noted

(2) the Committee agree to receive further reports every six months, on the activity relating to the Portfolio Plan and enforcement under delegated powers.

Report  ES14105

The Youth Programme Manager and the Portfolio Holder updated the Committee on the Summer Diversionary Activities 2014 report.

Financial: 

a)  Affinity Sutton had donated £5,000.

b)  LBB had contributed £35,000.

c)  Weight Watchers had donated £225.

d)  Tesco had donated £100.00

e)  The ice cream vendor contributed £1500.

The Committee heard that the activities overall were successful, but there was a two week period when the programme was affected adversely by wet weather. The most successful event was probably the activity in Norman Park when 942 attendees were recorded. Two “Special Saturdays” had been planned, incorporating a film showing on one Saturday, and a “silent disco” on the other Saturday. Both of these events suffered from a disappointingly low attendance.  Going forward, Youth Services would be looking at ways of increasing partnership working, reducing costs, and generating revenue.

Councillor Cartwright asked if the Youth Services employed demographic targeting before deciding where to hold summer diversionary events. The Youth Service Manager responded that this was indeed the case, and that risk assessments were also undertaken. Councillor Pierce was pleased to see young people from a diverse range of backgrounds participating in activities, and felt that the programme of events encouraged community spirit.

The Portfolio Holder was pleased that young people between the ages of 11-13 were engaging. The Portfolio Holder was pleased with the involvement of Bromley Healthcare, and was keen for Public Health and the Police to engage in the events. It was a huge opportunity for information gathering and sharing.

The Committee heard that the use of Facebook was a powerful tool for marketing and for assessing feedback; the use of Twitter required developing.

RESOLVED that the Summer Diversionary Activities 2014-End of Programme Report be noted.

Report CSD14156

The Committee noted the Work Programme and Contracts Register report.

An updated version of the report was tabled at the meeting which informed that a joint meeting was planned with the Education PDS Committee on the 3^rd February 2015. This was so that both Committees could discuss the proposed merger of Youth Services, the Youth Offending Team, and the Bromley Education Business Partnership.

The new extension dates for the dog contracts were also noted..

RESOLVED that the Work Programme and Contracts Register be noted.  

Members are invited to propose suggestions for future visits.

The date of the next meeting of the Committee is 3^rd February 2015.

The Committee heard that the visit to the Police Dog Training Centre at Keston was enjoyable and informative.

A visit would be arranged to the new Fire Station at Orpington in January 2015, prior to the official opening.

A visit was also going to be arranged to the Emergency Planning Centre in February 2015.

The next meeting of the Committee would be on the 3^rd February 2015.