Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies were received from Runa Uddin (Victim Support).

Apologies were received from Mr Alf Kennedy (Neighbourhood Watch).

Apologies were received from Precious Adewunmi (Bromley Youth Council). 

Apologies were received from Cllr Richard Williams, and from the Borough Commander Chris Hafford.

Cllr Cartwright declared an interest as a member of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority.

It is proposed to appoint new Co-opted Members from Bromley Youth Council and from Victim Support.  

Report CSD15064

The Committee noted that Bromley Youth Council had elected a new representative to serve on the Public Protection and Safety PDS Committee, and this was Precious Adewunmi.

It was further noted that Ms Runa Uddin had been nominated by Victim Support to serve on the Committee as a Co-opted Member.

RESOLVED that both Precious Adewunmi and Ms Runa Uddin be accepted onto the Committee as Co-opted Members.

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 24^th June 2015.

No questions were received.

The Committee considered the minutes of the meeting of Public Protection and Safety PDS Committee held on the 8^th April 2015. 

Cllr Benington asked for an update on the current situation with “Waste 4 Fuel” following on from the previous minutes concerning the Portfolio Holder Update.

The Executive Director of Environmental and Community Services informed the Committee that the Environment Agency was taking legal action against the land owner in an attempt to get the land owner to relinquish possession of the land. It was noted that as at April 2015, the cost of clearing the land was £2m, and that the Council had been provided with a cheque for £1.8m to carry out the clearance. It may be the case that this cost had now increased, and more money may be required from DEFRA (Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs). The future disposal of the land would be a matter for Member consultation. 

Cllr Benington also asked if enough action was being taken against “Skunkworks”. This was the premises that LBB and the police had previously taken action against because they were selling New Psychoactive Substances (legal highs). The Executive Director of Environmental and Community Services felt that LBB had been proactive, and that the measures taken against “Skunkworks” had been successful. LBB were now waiting for the new legislation to be enacted. 

RESOLVED:

(1) that the minutes of the meeting held on 8th April 2015 be agreed.

(2) that an update report on Waste 4 Fuel be provided to the Committee at the meeting on the 15^th September 2015.

Report CSD 15060

The Committee noted Matters Arising from previous meetings.

The Committee were appraised by the Head of Environmental Protection that there had been a delay with the upgrade to the CCTV system. The delay had been caused by legal problems with the contract. The contractors were not on site, but it was still hoped that works would be completed by September 2015. The concern currently was that the existing system was old and not supported, and there could be a problem with getting parts in the event of a breakdown. Cllr Cartwright requested that Members be kept informed if any adverse cost implications developed.

The dates of the visits to Orpington Fire Station and to the Community Rehabilitation Company in Orpington were confirmed.

RESOLVED that the Matters Arising report be noted, and that Members be kept informed of any adverse costs around CCTV if they occurred.   

Update to be provided by Runa Uddin from Victim Support.  

This item was withdrawn from the proceedings.

The Chairman updated the Committee as follows:

The Chairman met with officers on the 23^rd June 2015 to discuss the work programme for the Public Protection & Safety PDS Committee. The Chairman was looking forward to a productive working relationship with officers and the police. It was noted that a joint meeting was scheduled for the 14^th July 2015 with the GP&L Committee to discuss problems associated with the night time economy in Beckenham and Bromley, and to review licensing policy; the police would be attending to present and to answer questions. The Chairman outlined the planned work programme for 2015/16.

The Chairman informed the Committee that on the 21^st June 2015, she observed proceedings (together with Cllr Lymer) around the Emergency Planning Exercise that took place in Bromley. It was noted that on the 23rd May 2015, the Chairman (along with Cllr Tim Stevens, Cllr Lymer and the Police Cadets) canvassed the public concerning concerns about crime in Bromley. Cllr Lymer emailed the results to Members on the evening of the meeting.

RESOLVED that the Chairman’s update be noted.

The Deputy Borough Commander (Superintendent David Tait) updated the Committee as follows:

The Committee were directed to the MOPAC (Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime) report that had been tabled concerning “Bromley Safer Neighbourhood Board Performance Summary”. The Committee studied the table on page 2 of the MOPAC report which detailed recorded crime data to April 2015.

The Committee were pleased to observe that there were percentage decreases in the areas of robbery, burglary, theft from persons and motor vehicles. They were also glad to see that there had been some percentage decreases over the last year in the areas of gun and knife crime.

However, over the last year there had been percentage increases in the levels of violence with injury, criminal damage, violence against the person, assault with injury, rape and sexual offences, youth violence, domestic abuse and homophobic crime, and the Committee were concerned about these matters, and puzzled by the increase in sexual violence. The Deputy Borough Commander spoke about each specific crime type, providing the Committee with commentary on the reasons for the respective increases.

The Committee heard that there had been an increase in the number of offences involving motor bikes and motor scooters; the police were using off road bikes to try and combat this in green areas.

With respect to criminal damage it was the case that 40% of these offences involved the breaking into of motor vehicles; the main areas that these offences were being committed in were St Mary’s Cray, Mottingham and Penge.

The Deputy Borough Commander referred the Committee to page 16 of the MOPAC report and elaborated on “stop and search” distinctions and targets. He also outlined “Operation Omega” which was a MET wide operation to infuse the streets with police officers, especially in problem areas. This had yielded good results. The Committee were reassured that dedicated Ward Officers were not being removed, and the idea of the operation was to avoid secondary investigations.

During the morning of Friday 19 June, police were alerted to aggravated burglaries committed in Barton Road, Sidcup and further addresses in St Georges Road, Bromley; Greenways, Beckenham; Hayes Way, Beckenham; Edward Road, Bromley and Camden Park Road, Chislehurst.

The four suspects were using two mopeds, armed with samurai swords and crowbars. Police stopped a minicab in Downham a short while later, arresting two men and subsequently recovering over £630,000 of stolen property, two mopeds and a number of weapons. Two suspects were still being sought in connection with the burglaries. 

The Deputy Borough Commander updated the Committee concerning fighting that broke out involving a very large number of youths in the Oakley Road area of Bromley. There had been a party that was well run with door staff in attendance but was escalated via social media. It was thought that many of the youths involved had come from Lewisham. Three youths suffered stab injuries, and one was glassed in the face. A car was seized by the police, and investigations are ongoing. It  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

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 24^th June 2015.

No questions were received.

Report FSD 15041

The Budget Monitoring report 2015/16 was written by Claire Martin, Head of Finance. The report provided an update concerning the latest budget monitoring position for 2015/16 for the Public Protection and Safety Portfolio based upon expenditure and activity levels up to the 31^st May 2015.  

The budget was balanced, and the latest approved budget figure for 2015/16 was £2277k.

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder endorse the latest 2015/16 budget projection for the Public Protection and Safety Portfolio.

Report FDS15040

This report was written by the Head of Finance to inform the Portfolio Holder of the final outturn position for 2014/15. It also showed the level of expenditure for the selected project within the Member Priority Initiatives, and detailed the provisional outturn within the Community Safety Budget.

RESOLVED that:

(1) the 2014/15 provisional outturn position for the Public Protection and Safety Portfolio be endorsed by the Portfolio Holder

(2) the Portfolio Holder note the outturn position in respect of the targeted neighbourhood activity project

(3) the Portfolio Holder note the final allocation of Community Safety Expenditure as set out in appendix 3

(4) the Portfolio Holder approve the drawdown of the carry forward sum of £26,570k held in Central Contingency, to help victims of domestic violence as set out in sections 5.6 to 5.8 of the report.

Report ES 15044

The Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Safety (Cllr Kate Lymer) guided Members through the Public Protection and Safety Portfolio Plan 2015/16.

Outcome 1: Keeping Bromley Safe.

It was highlighted that re-offending rates for anti-social behaviour had declined due to the success of Operation Crystal. It was felt that the Mentoring Service was running well, and that this had been successful in enabling young people to remain in education, employment and training.

The Portfolio Holder explained how the Safer Bromley Partnership had now evolved into the Strategic Group and how the dynamics, leadership and governance had changed. It was the now the case that LBB were looking for partners on the Group to take more proactive roles—to this end the Chairman was now the Borough Police Commander, and the lead for ASB was the Bromley Fire Commander.

The Committee heard that one of the objectives to keep Bromley safe was to target the night time anti-social behaviour problem in the Bromley night time economy. This would be a joint LBB and police initiative, and a joint meeting was scheduled with the GP&L Committee on the 14^th July 2015 to this end.

It was the case that LBB would be working closely with the police to implement the recommendations of the Gangs Review report, and the Portfolio Holder was waiting for a bid for funding so that LBB and the police could use the services of GAV (Growing Against Violence) which was a highly effective public safety programme aimed at combating gang violence.

In terms of dealing with New Psychoactive Substances, LBB had already experienced some success in this area, but would now be seeking to apply new powers and tools from new legislation being introduced by the government.

Outcome 2: Protecting Consumers: 

The Committee noted the loss of staff across the Trading Standards Team. The Portfolio Holder referred to section 2.2 of the report relating to the rapid response service to the victims of door step crimes and scams, and informed the Committee that out of 200 calls to this service, only 50 could be classed as emergency calls.  It was noted that concerning the matter of tackling the sale of age restricted products and of preventing consumer detriment by tackling problem traders, routine checks would have to be reduced, and would have to be more intelligence led.

Outcome 3: Regulating Food Safety: 

The Portfolio Holder notified the Committee that this was another area of the Portfolio which was suffering from the effects of reduced staffing levels. It was going to be the case that the number of inspections would decrease. Priority would be allocated to high risk food businesses, significant complaints, accident reports and statutory responsibilities. The Executive Director of Environmental and Community Services informed Members that the Food Standards Agency was coming to LBB for a meeting imminently, and then a revised assessment would be undertaken of the statutory minimum services to be provided around food inspections. 

Outcome 4: Protecting the Environment:

The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.

Report ES15046

This report was presented to the Committee to update Members with details concerning the annual submission to MOPAC (Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime).

Members noted that the projects concerning domestic abuse would be available to help men as well as women as men were also victims of domestic abuse.

A Member wondered if it would be possible to arrange for a Member of the Committee to visit a refuge to see how they helped victims of domestic abuse.

RESOLVED that the MOPAC update be noted.     

Report ES15043

This report was presented to Members to advise of the activity taken by the Public Protection Division during the periods of 1^st September 23014 to 31^st March 2015 relating to the annual Portfolio Plan and enforcement under delegated powers.

The Committee noted:

1.  Public Protection Statutory Notices

2.  Enforcement activity under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003

3.  Enforcement activity under the Anti-Social Behaviour and Policing and Crime Act 2014

4.  Enforcement action undertaken under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000

5.  Prosecutions undertaken at Bromley Magistrates Court

6.  Prosecutions pending

7.  Trading Standards formal cautions

8.  Licensing Reviews  

RESOLVED that the Enforcement Activity update report—October 2014 to March 2015 be noted.

An update to be provided concerning the Safer Bromley Partnership Strategic Group, subsequent to the meeting of the Group on June 16^th 2015.

The Executive Director of Environmental and Community Services gave an update on the work of the Safer Bromley Partnership Strategic Group.

He outlined current SBP strategy and direction, and explained the current composition and work of the various sub groups involved. It was highlighted that the SBP was now a body that depended very much on partnership working, and shared responsibilities and burdens. 

The Director expanded on recent presentations given to the SBP by the Probation Service and by the Bromley Community Rehabilitation Company. It was noted that the CRC was now responsible for administering Community Payback.

RESOLVED that the MOPAC update be noted.   

The Gangs Update was given by the Deputy Borough Commander.

It was noted that the Gangs Sub Group had met on the 27th May 2015 at Bromley Police Station.

The Gangs Sub Group consisted of:

•  David Tait—Bromley Police

•  Peter Sibley—LBB Anti-Social Behaviour and Gangs Lead Officer

•  Barbara Godfrey—Oxley NHS Trust

•  Pat Jennings—LBB Youth Offending Services Manager

•  Jane Bailey—LBB Assistant Director of Education

•  Kevin Clarke—Bromley Police

•  Kay Weiss—LBB AD of Children’s Safeguarding and Social Care

•  Sara Bowrey—LBB AD Housing Needs

Superintendent Tait explained to the Board that the main driver for the formation of the Gangs Sub Group was the Peer Review report on Gangs that had come from the Home Office. An action plan had been formulated from the recommendations of the report, and 15 actions had been identified to progress—some of these had already been undertaken. The 15 action points had been detailed in a report tabled by Superintendent Tait at the meeting. Actions that had already been progressed included the mapping of gang activity and the increase in the size of the Police Gangs Unit, and challenging the behaviour of young people where appropriate.

Superintendent Tait had formulated a strategy for dealing with gangs, and the key aspects of this strategy were:

•  Prevention

•  Intervention

•  Enforcement

•  Leadership

•  Co-ordination

Superintendent Tait briefed the Group concerning an organisation that he had contacted called Growing Against Violence (GAV). GAV was the largest serious violence prevention initiative of its kind in the UK. It was a public health and safety programme, delivering evidence based preventative education sessions. It provided age appropriate sessions delivered universally to students in school years 6 through to 10.

The Committee were informed that the Gangs Sub Group of the Safer Bromley Partnership Strategic Group would be meeting again soon. The Committee requested that relevant feedback from the SBP be filtered back into the PDS Committee. The Committee felt that the proposed work with GAV was very positive. The Committee agreed that there should be a presentation on Gangs in the future, and that this should be incorporated into the Work Programme.

The Executive Director of Environmental and Community Services pointed out that where matters arose concerning young people, it was important that the Education PDS Committee also be involved and informed. The Committee noted the need for cross communication across the Council and for a holistic approach. The Deputy Borough Commander indicated that he was happy for the PP&S Portfolio Holder or PP&S PDS Chairman to attend the Gangs Sub Group meetings.

The Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Safety requested that in in the future, the previous minutes for the Safer Bromley Partnership Strategic Group be incorporated as a standing item on the agenda.

RESOLVED that:

(1) the Gangs update from the Deputy Borough Commander be noted

(2) the minutes of future meetings of the Safer Bromley Partnership Strategic Group be added as a standing item to future agendas

(3) that all  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

Report  CSD15063

The Committee noted the Work Programme and Contracts Register report.

The following updates to the Work Programme were recommended:

15^th September 2015:

a)  Update on Waste 4 Fuel

b)  CCTV Update

c)  Update on PREVENT strategy

3^rd November 2015

a)  Update/Presentation from Victim Support

20^th January 2016

a)  MOPAC update

b)  Enforcement Activity Update

2^nd March 2016

a)  Presentation from Bromley Youth Council

b)  Update from SLaM

RESOLVED that the Work Programme and Contracts Register report and the recommended additions and changes to the work programme be noted.

The Public Protection and Safety, Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee will meet next at 7.00pm on the 15^th September 2015.

The Committee noted that the next meeting was scheduled for 15^th September 2015.

The Committee noted that a visit was being planned to the newly refurbished fire station in Orpington on the 11^th July 2015, and that there was a visit planned to the Community Rehabilitation Company in Orpington in September 2015.