Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Anne Ball from MOPAC.

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 31^st March 2015.

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

The Committee considered the minutes of the meeting of the Public Protection and Safety PDS Committee held on the 3^rd February 2015.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on the 3^rd February 2015 be agreed.

Report CSD 15008

It was noted that the Matters Arising pertaining to the Targeted Neighbourhood Activity Project, the Community Trigger, and the Community Remedy would be dealt with as updates later in the meeting.

The Committee were informed by the Portfolio Holder that the Summer Diversionary Activities would not be taking place this year due to lack of funds; this matter could now be closed.

It was noted that the CCTV Open Day arrangements had not been finalised, and the Committee would be updated in due course.

The Committee were informed that the Gangs Peer Review Report had been received by LBB. It was originally intended that the Deputy Borough Commander would be leading on this and developing an action plan, but that now this task had been assigned to Chief Inspector David Tait. It was noted that the Chief Inspector was now in place as acting Deputy Borough Commander.  

The Committee were briefed that the new fire station in Orpington was due to open by the end of May, and that a visit by the PDS Committee would be arranged soon.

RESOLVED:

(1) that the Matters Arising report be noted

(2) that updates be provided to the Committee in due course concerning the CCTV Open Day, and also the visit to the new fire station in Orpington.

The Borough Police Commander updated the Committee as follows:

The MOPAC 7 recommendations and targets had been set originally over a four year period, and one year remained.

Over the last year:

·  Overall offences had decreased by 16.5% to 9816 offences, this compared to 11,750 offences that had occurred from the baseline year of 2011/12

·  Burglary offences had decreased by 26.8%, which was a decrease of 916 offences

·  There had been an increase in violence with intent offences which had increased by 7.7%

The Borough Commander outlined the Current MOPAC 7 performance:

·  Burglary was down by 17.8% or 543 offences

·  Robbery was down by 26.4% or 141 offences

·  Theft from motor vehicles was down by 14.7% or 278 offences

·  Theft from persons was down by 20.9% or 73 offences

·  Criminal Damage had increased by 21% or 249 offences

·  Theft of motor vehicles had increased by 23% or 129 offences-a high percentage of these consisted of the theft of motorcycles in the Crays and Penge areas)

·  Violence with injury had increased by 18% or 310 offences ( 85 of these offences were classed as Domestic Abuse, and 225 were classed as non-domestic abuse)

·  Confidence with local policing was now 66% which was an increase of 3%

·  Satisfaction from victims of crime had increased from 79% to 82%

The Borough Commander informed the Committee that violence with injury and sexual offences had increased, and that these increases had not just been seen in Bromley, but across the whole of the Metropolitan Police Service.

The MPS had also seen a small increase in hate and disability crime, and the reasons for this were not clear.

Looking ahead to 2020 the Committee were informed that the MPS was not a “protected” public service in terms of budgets. So far the MET had reduced annual spending by £550m, reduced police staff numbers by 3000 whilst protecting police officer numbers and PCSOs, sold buildings to reduce running costs, introduced the Local Policing Model with brigaded hubs for intelligence, duties/resources and custody.

The Committee heard that further challenges lay ahead, as more cuts of between £700m-£800m were planned. The MET Police Commissioner had spoken about the impact that this would have on the number of police officers and PCSOs. Work was currently underway to assess if a borough wide structure could be supported and how this would integrate with other public services. The Borough Commander felt that the MPS, and policing in Bromley would look very different in 2020, but naturally there would be consultation and communication with relevant stakeholders.

It was the case that in the last few months, road safety enforcement operations had taken place in ten locations across the borough. As a result of these operations, 804 vehicles had been stopped, 45 FPN’s had been issued, 27 other vehicle offences were reported, 55 breath tests were carried out, 9 vehicles were seized and there were 7 arrests. 

A member enquired as to the nature of the hate crime that had taken place. The Borough  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

The Chairman commenced by recommending the “Bedlam” DVD that was filmed at the Bethlem Hospital. The Committee were informed that it was previously hoped that a presentation would be provided by Derec Craig from Victim Support. The Committee heard that a restructure was ongoing at Victim Support, and it was hoped that once this had been formalised, a new Victim Support representative could be appointed, and a future presentation arranged. 

The Chairman updated the Committee concerning the successful trip to Merton to visit the Emergency Planning Centre.

A pioneering  arts and museum space at the heart of Bethlem Royal Hospital was opened to the public on the 19^th February 2015. Incorporated into this is the “Museum of the Mind” which the Chairman visited with her children in March 2015.

The Chairman informed the Committee that the Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe would be visiting Bromley Civic Centre on the 24^th June 2015, between 6.30pm and 7.30pm.

The Committee were interested to learn about developments concerning the “Black Museum”. The term “Black Museum” referred to items of crime that had previously been housed at Scotland Yard, and not on view to the general public. These objects had now been rehoused at the Museum of London, and the title of the exhibition was called “The Crime Museum Uncovered”. The exhibition would commence on the 9^th October 2015, and would run until the 10^th April 2016. The cost of this would be £12.50, or £10.00 if booked online. At the exhibition there would be items of interest connected to infamous criminals like Dr Crippen, the Krays, the Great Train Robbery, and the Millennium Dome diamond heist. The exhibition would consider the changing nature of crime  and advances in detection over the past 140 years.

RESOLVED:

(1) that the Chairman’s update be noted

(2) that Victim Support be contacted for an update on their restructure, and to arrange a future presentation

(3) that documentation pertaining to the visit to the Emergency Planning Centre in Merton be emailed to Members

Representatives of the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust attended to provide verbal updates to the Committee concerning the Bethlem Hospital. In attendance were:

·  Dr Martin Baggaley, Medical Director and Lead for Clinical Governance

·  Ellie Bateman, Service Director

·  Professor Tom Fahy, Clinical Lead

·  Dr Matthew Patrick, Chief Executive

·  Roger Paffard, Chair of the Board.

The Committee were informed that Bethlem Hospital offered a wide range of mental health services, and was located in grounds covering 270 acres. Some of the services and facilities provided on site were:

·  An on-site mother and baby unit

·  An anxiety disorders residential unit

·  Crisis care

·  Forensic services

·  Talking therapies

·  Memory clinic.

It was explained that the term “forensic services” referred to services provided for individuals who may pose a risk to themselves or others as defined by the mental health act. Bethlem has one hundred forensic beds.

The SLaM Board were pleased to inform the Committee that a full time police officer had been appointed to the Bethlem Hospital site, and that this post was fully funded by SLaM. This was regarded as a positive development, and reduced the demand on the local police. The Board were also pleased with the renovation of the museum and mental health archives. The Board were planning to invite local schools and the community to visit the grounds and the museum. 

SLaM were pleased to report that there had been no incidences of crime or escapes in the last year. It was explained to the Committee that “leave incidences” could be categorised in two ways; “absconders” were individuals that ran away from escorted leave, whilst there could be incidences when individuals on unescorted leave failed to return. SLaM reported that out of 12,000 cases of leave, only 22 incidences had been reported and this was a very encouraging statistic.

SLaM felt that there had been an increase in the morale of staff and the general public due to the appointment of a uniformed police officer on site. They felt that it reduced their reliance of having to call 999, and also would result in increased conviction rates for offences. The police officer had been appointed on a three year contract, and worked 9-5, Monday to Friday.

SLaM explained that the BUDDI tagging system was used to electronically tag patients, and provided real time monitoring. It was also used to monitor when patients had crossed boundaries that were prohibited, and was an aid to retrieval.

The Chairman asked if there was an update on the review conducted by the health regulator Monitor. SLaM clarified that the review was purely with respect to governance, and not to any aspects of care. They regarded the review as helpful, and changes had already been implemented. 

SLaM informed Members that the patients enjoyed the previous visit of the PDS Committee, and that they were looking to organise further visits to the site and to the museum in the future.

The Portfolio Holder thanked SLaM for his warm welcome to the Governor’s meeting that he  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

The Portfolio Holder updated the Committee concerning the previous meeting of the Safer Bromley Partnership Strategic Group. It was noted that the Group's Chairman (the Borough Commander), was keen to develop the structure and strategy of the Group. He was also keen to get all the partners involved in leadership roles. It was noted that Chief Inspector David Tait was going to lead on gangs, the Borough Fire Commander was going to lead on ASB and Fire, IOM (Integrated Offender Management) was going to be led by Lissa Moore.

The Portfolio Holder stated that it was the intention of LBB to work closely with the police in dealing with problems presented by identified licensed premises in the Borough. LBB would adopt a strategy of re-educating Licensees, using the power of Review, and dealing with any problems robustly. 

The Committee were informed that that the Environment Agency had sent a cheque to LBB for £1.8m to be used as part funding to clear the Waste 4 Fuel site. LBB would pay the remainder of the cost with the intention of eventually owning the land.

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder Update be noted.

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 31^st March 2015.

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

Report FSD 15027

This report was written by the Head of Finance to update the Committee on the latest budget monitoring position for the 2014/15 Public Protection and Safety PDS Committee based on expenditure and activity levels up to the 31^st January 2015.

The Committee looked at Appendix 1 which was a table with notes explaining the Public Protection and Safety Portfolio Budget Monitoring Summary as at 31^st January 2015. It was noted that the latest approved budget figure for 2014/15 was £2629m, and that the projected outturn was £2592m; this left a variation of a credit of £37k. The credit was primarily caused by credits due to reduced employee costs and a reduced number of dogs being kept in kennels.

Appendix 2 showed that out of an original allocation of £150k to Targeted Neighbourhood Activity Projects, there was an available balance of £35k that could be carried over to the next financial year. There would be an update report on this in due course.

Finally, the Committee noted the four additions to Portfolio Holder Grants as shown in Appendix 3, these were:

·  Height Barriers in Parks

·  Doorstep Crime Materials

·  Operation Triangle

·  Edge Bicycle Recycling

RESOLVED that:

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

(2) the Portfolio Holder note the progress of the implementation of the Targeted Neighbourhood Activity Project

(3) the PDS Committee note the allocation of the Community Safety expenditure

Report FSD15021

The Committee heard that the Capital Programme in question referred to CCTV Control Room refurbishment at a cost of £340k.

It was noted that due to delays in the implementation of the project, £200k would need to be re-phased to the 2015/16 budget.

It was anticipated that the work would be completed by July 2015.

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder note the Capital Programme agreed by the Executive on the 11^th February 2015, and the early warning that £200k will need to be re-phased to 2015/16.  

Report ES15031

This was a report written by the Head of Environmental Protection to deal specifically with the Dog Kennelling contract.

The  Head of Environmental Protection explained to the Committee that the Council had set a programme to test the Market with regard to all Public Protection services, and this included the dog kennelling services. It was noted that the dog kennelling contract was in the process of being re-tendered, but that it was considered that this process be suspended to enable the overall Public Protection market testing to be aligned to incorporate the dog kennelling  services when the service is market tested.

It was noted that the statutory provisioning of kennelling was being undertaken by Woodlands Animal Care Ltd at an average cost (based on figures taken over the last three years) of £96.9k pa. It was confirmed that this cost was variable. 

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder agree to the extension of the LBB dog kennelling and re-homing services with Woodlands Animal Care Ltd for a period of 21 months to 30^th April 2017.

Report ES15033

This was a report written by the Head of Environmental Protection to deal specifically with Dog Warden Services.

The  Head of Environmental Protection explained to the Committee that the Council had set a programme to test the Market with regard to all Public Protection services, and this included the dog warden services. It was noted that the dog warden contract was in the process of being re-tendered, but that it was considered that this process be suspended to enable the overall Public Protection market testing to be aligned to incorporate the dog warden services when the service is market tested.

It was noted that the current contract for the statutory dog warden services was provided by SDK Environmental Ltd, at a cost of £63.6k pa.

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder approve the extension of the dog warden services contract with SDK Environment Ltd for a period of 21 months to 30 April 2017.   

Report ES15023

This report was written by the Head of Environmental Protection. The purpose of the report was to advise members of the progress of the spend on the Targeted Neighbourhood Activity Project Fund targeted initiative and to provide details of the remaining balance of the fund.

Members were tabled with an updated amendment to the information in the table on page 41 of the agenda (Para 3.6) which detailed projects and reasons for cancellation or non-progression.

The Committee heard that in August 2012, £150k had been allocated to the Targeted Neighbourhood Activity Project, £95k had been allocated to date, which meant that currently there was an unallocated balance of £35k.

RESOLVED that the Targeted Neighbourhood Activity Project report be noted.

Report ES15029

The report was written by the Head of Trading Standards and Community Safety to update Members on the impact of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act  2014; it also provided further details on the powers and tools afforded by the legislation. The positive aspects of the legislation were that it was victim focussed and easy to deploy.

The Head of Trading Standards informed the Committee that the “Community Trigger” had not yet been activated in Bromley. It was thought that this was likely to be because of the existing framework in Bromley, where there was good multi agency information sharing, seeking to ensure that serious ASB issues were actioned appropriately. It was felt that summertime could cause the trigger to be activated due to onset of longer evenings. 

The Committee heard that a Community Protection Notice had not been deployed with respect to “Skunkworks” in Orpington, which had been selling New Psychoactive Substances, also known as “legal highs”. A written warning had been served forbidding them to sell the products. So far they seemed to be complying with the warning, but if they failed to comply, then the notice would be served. The Committee felt that RSL’s (Registered Social Landlords) and the Police should continue to work in partnership to ensure robust enforcement action. The Committee noted the effectiveness of the threat of evictions that had been deployed as part of “Operation Crystal”.

A Member stated that he felt it difficult to see how various agencies could work effectively together. 

The Head of Trading Standards and Community Safety answered that the ASB Group met monthly, and that multi agency partners were involved; the partners were under pressure to deliver results. He felt that there was scope for the relationship with RSL’s to improve, and informed the Committee that the LBB ASB Co-ordinator worked hard with RSLs to develop effective working relationships. He was of the view that a successful framework was in place. During the discussion concerning RSL’s, Cllr Peter Fortune declared an interest as a Non-Executive Director with Affinity Sutton.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

Report CSD15031

The Committee noted its Work Programme and Contracts Register.

The requests for the extensions to the Dog Warden Contract and the Kennelling Contract had been noted in previous reports.

RESOLVED that

(1) the Work Programme and Contracts be noted

(2) Victim Support be contacted for an update concerning their restructure

(3) a Safer Bromley Partnership update be brought to the June meeting

(4) a Neighbourhood Watch update be brought to the September meeting

The next meeting was confirmed for the 30^th June 2015.

It was decided to see if a visit could be arranged to Probation Services.