Agenda and minutes

Venue: Committee Room 1 - Bromley Civic Centre. View directions

Contact: Steve Wood  020 8313 4316

Items
No. Item

STANDARD ITEMS

103.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND NOTIFICATION OF SUBSTITUTE MEMBERS

Minutes:

Apologies were received from Katie Bacon from Bromley Youth Council.

 

Apologies were received from Cllr Tim Stevens, and Cllr Mary Cooke attended as substitute.

 

Apologies were also received from Cllr Richard Williams.

104.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Minutes:

There were no declarations of interest.

 

105.

QUESTIONS TO THE CHAIRMAN FROM COUNCILLORS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.

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 23rd November 2016.

 

Minutes:

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

 

106.

MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC PROTECTION AND SAFETY PDS COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 28th SEPTEMBER 2016 pdf icon PDF 176 KB

Minutes:

The Committee considered the minutes of the meeting of Public Protection and Safety PDS Committee held on 28th September 2016.

 

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 28th September be agreed.

 

107.

MATTERS ARISING pdf icon PDF 206 KB

Minutes:

CSD 16162

 

The Committee noted the update on matters arising from previous meetings.

 

A member referred to the defibrillators that had been mentioned in the minutes. He requested that the PDS Committee take a closer look at the use of defibrillators in Bromley, as they were not expensive. He asked if LBB could roll out more defibrillators in selected locations, and the proposal was seconded. It was agreed that the Executive Director for Environmental and Community Services investigate what could be done in terms of increasing the number of defibrillators in selected locations

 

It was noted that all of the matters arising had now been actioned, and that they could all be closed.

 

RESOLVED that the Matters Arising report be noted and that the Executive Director for Environmental and Community Services investigate the provision of defibrillators in selected locations.

108.

CHAIRMAN'S UPDATE

Minutes:

The Chairman updated the Committee as follows:

 

The Chairman attended the LIFE Passing out Parade at Lee Green Fire Station on Thursday 13th October. Participants were put through their paces in a mock emergency house fire rescue and then each one was presented with their achievement portfolio.

 

On Wednesday 2nd November, the Chairman held an agenda planning meeting with the Executive Director for Environment and Community Services and other officers to consider items for the meetings on 29th November and for the remainder of the 2016-17 Council year.

 

The Chairman participated as an observer in the Underage Sales Test Purchases exercise held on Saturday 29th October 2016. She visited various retail outlets within the Borough, two of which sold age-related goods to the two volunteers. The Chairman praised the excellent work done by the Trading Standards Team but acknowledged that there could be no complacency and that the need to educate retailers about the sale of under-age goods was ongoing.

 

 

 

109.

POLICE UPDATE

The Police update will be provided by the Borough Police Commander.

Minutes:

The Borough Commander updated the Committee as follows:

 

The latest MOPAC crime data had been disseminated to members of the Committee prior to the meeting at the request of the Chairman.

 

It was noted that there had been an increase in the reporting of DV cases with violence, and also of ASB. The percentage of calls answered within 15 minutes was 89.6%, and the number of calls answered within 60 minutes was 85.5%. 

 

The Borough Commander highlighted that out of 32 forces, there were only three that had been able to report an overall crime reduction with respect to the MOPAC 7 targets, and Bromley were one. 

 

It was noted that advertising was underway to recruit for the position of a new Chief Commissioner. It was anticipated that the selection process would be completed by February 2017. The current Deputy Police Commissioner was acting, and it was likely that the person selected would be an external candidate.

 

Proposals for the new Basic Command Units (BCU) were gathering pace in an effort to save £400m. Twelve BCUs were planned, but no specific information was currently available to clarify which borough Bromley would be linked to. The Committee were briefed that it was likely that the boroughs of Camden and Islington would be the first to amalgamate. It was anticipated that the boroughs of Redbridge, Havering and Barking/Dagenham would follow in February 2017, and would be the first tri borough BCU.

 

  BCUs would consist of 4 divisions:

 

Ø  Neighbourhood Policing

Ø  Emergency Response

Ø  Local Investigation

Ø  Protecting Vulnerable People

 

The Neighbourhood Policing division would incorporate youth policing and the use of Ward Officers. The Emergency Response Team would be a team that would operate across borough boundaries. The Local Investigation Team would be taken from the current CID. The CID would decrease in size so that some officers could be used in the new division that was focusing on protecting vulnerable people.

 

It was hoped that the new BCU structure would improve information and intelligence sharing. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor were in favour of the new BCU structures, and the 4 divisions corresponded to Mayoral priorities. The posts of Chief Inspectors and Commanders were being abolished. The Borough Commander briefed the Committee that Mr David Tait (currently Chief Inspector for Neighbourhood Policing) was leaving Bromley police to take up the post of ‘Chief of Staff’ for the delivery of the World Athletics Championships.

 

It was noted that as a result of the recent Ofsted report into Children’s Services in Bromley, three new officers were being recruited into roles that would be dealing with the prevention of the abuse and exploitation of children and young people. 

 

In terms of staffing, Bromley police were losing 17 PCSO’s next month, as part of a corporate process. There would still be 33 PCSO’s left, which meant that there was still enough resource to have at least one PCSO per ward. Three PCSOs had been allocated to Bromley Town centre and three to Orpington.

 

The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 109.

HOLDING THE PORTFOLIO HOLDER TO ACCOUNT

110.

QUESTIONS TO THE PORTFOLIO HOLDER FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND COUNCILLORS ATTENDING THE MEETING

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 23rd November 2016.

 

Minutes:

There was a question to the Portfolio Holder from Dr Robert Hadley.

 

The question and answer is attached as Appendix A to the minutes.  

110a

BUDGET MONITORING REPORT 2016-2017 pdf icon PDF 75 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

FSD 16073

 

The Budget Monitoring report provided an update of the latest budget monitoring position for 2016/17 for the Public Protection and Safety Portfolio based on expenditure and activity levels up to 30th September 2016. This showed an under spend of £20k. This was because the latest approved budget for the Portfolio was £2.093m, and the projected outturn was £2.073m.

 

The Portfolio Holder was requested to endorse the latest 2016/17 budget projection for the Public Protection and Safety Portfolio.

 

 

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder endorse the latest 2016/17 budget projection for the Public Protection and Safety Portfolio.

 

 

 

 

 

111.

REPORT ON ALCOHOL ABUSE pdf icon PDF 727 KB

Minutes:

Report ES 16069

 

The report was written by Dr Agnes Marossy (Consultant in Public Health) to provide information about alcohol abuse in Bromley. Members of the Committee were asked to consider and comment on issues outlined in the report.

 

The Committee heard that alcohol related harm was determined by:

 

·  The volume of alcohol consumed

·  The pattern of drinking

·  The quality of the alcohol consumed

 

The ‘mechanisms of harm’ were explained as:

 

·  Toxic effects on organs and tissues

·  Intoxication

·  Dependence

 

The Committee was informed that the factors affecting alcohol consumption and alcohol related harm were age, gender and familial risk factors. Drinking behaviours were classified in three ways—lower, increasing and higher risk. Classification could also be undertaken by virtue of the degree of dependence.

 

Dr Marossy explained that recent data collected from GPs indicated that only 42.2% of individuals had been asked about alcohol consumption over the last three years, so it was not really possible to draw definite conclusions about alcohol consumption in Bromley. Members looked at statistical data that showed that the number of people consuming alcohol over the recommended weekly limit was least in Darwin Ward, and greatest in the Hayes and Coney Hall Ward. There was no local data for Bromley on binge drinking. It was the case that young people aged 16-24 were more likely to consume more than the recommended weekly limit of alcohol in one day. 

 

The Committee were concerned to hear of the conditions for which alcohol was a causal factor:

 

·  Various cancers—mouth, throat, stomach, liver and breast cancer.

·  Cirrhosis of the liver

·  Heart Disease

·  Depression

·  Stroke

·  Pancreatitis

 

Alcohol abuse was also linked to mental health issues and suicide.

 

The Committee was concerned to learn that excessive alcohol consumption was a major cause of premature death. Liver disease was one of the leading causes of death in England, and people were dying from it at younger ages. The rate of alcohol related hospital admissions was increasing at national, regional and local levels, but the rate remained lower in Bromley, than for London and the rest of England. The Committee noted that excessive alcohol consumption had socio-economic impacts which included harm to individuals, and harm to society at large. Members were also briefed on the treatment and management of alcohol misuse.

 

The Committee was informed that in Bromley, many of those requiring structured treatment for alcohol misuse were in regular employment (37%). This compared favourably with the national figure which was 29%. It was also noted that in Bromley, more individuals were commencing treatment with housing problems than in other parts of the country. 

 

The Committee was dismayed to learn of the financial burden imposed upon the UK as a result of alcohol abuse which was £21bn. Some positive news was that the number of alcohol specific admissions involving the under 18s was reducing. Dr Marossy explained that there were three different types of prevention which were:

 

·  Primary—consisting of Education and Licensing

·  Secondary—consisting of early detection and screening

·  Tertiary—consisting of treatment services

 

It was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 111.

112.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS SERVICES pdf icon PDF 197 KB

Minutes:

ES 16068

 

The report was written to provide an update on the Domestic Violence (DV) and Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) contracted services and project work for the Safer Bromley Partnership.

 

The report additionally provided background information to the PDS Committee on the strategy for  Domestic Violence (DV) and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and the strategic aims of the  London Borough of Bromley.

 

The Committee was asked to note the contents of the report for information purposes.

 

The Committee was informed that the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 placed a statutory requirement on local authorities to monitor the level of domestic abuse in their communities and to establish partnerships, in order to reduce the problem and work together with other agencies to highlight the issue and coordinate responses. Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs) came into effect on 13 April 2011. The Safer Bromley Partnership had the responsibility for establishing domestic homicide reviews within Bromley. A VAWG Strategy (2016-2019) had now been completed and would be ratified by the Safer Bromley Partnership Strategic Group. When completed, the VAWG Strategy would incorporate the domestic violence and VAWG strategic aims from the Safer Bromley Partnership Strategic Assessment 2016-2019.

 

The Committee were appraised that the Service was in its fourth year of funding, and that the funding was set to end in March 2017. The VAWG Steering Group had been relaunched, as had the VAWG Forum. Figures taken from July 2015 to June 2016 showed that there had been 4,800 victims-89% of these had been medium risk and 11% had been high risk and referred to MARAC.

 

Members were briefed that MOPAC funding for 2017/18 would mirror that which was received in 2016/17, which was £257,730. The funding was expected to reduce by 40% in 2018/19. No further details had been released regarding funding subsequent to this.  Due to future uncertainties, it had been proposed to tender the service for a contract term of one year, with options to extend for a further two single years. Members noted the proposed service specification which had been approved by the Commissioning Board, E&R PDS and the Executive. 

 

The Chairman was very concerned about the proposed 40% drop in funding for 2018/19. She wondered why this was the case if these issues were a Mayoral priority. The Portfolio Holder stated that it was hoped that opportunities would exist to reclaim funding via co-commissioning.

 

A member enquired if referrals were increasing. The Interim DV Commissioner clarified that reporting had gone up, probably due to an increased awareness of referral pathways. It was also now the case that referrals were coming in with respect to older people due to cases of elder abuse. Another member stated that as referrals were increasing, it would be worrying if cuts took place. She felt re-assured that the Portfolio Holder had the financial issues under control. There was a generic view amongst committee members that the service should not be cut.

 

RESOLVED that the report be noted. 

 

 

113.

PRESENTATION FROM BROMLEY WOMEN'S AID pdf icon PDF 4 MB

Minutes:

The presentation from Bromley and Croydon Women’s Aid was given by the CEO, Constanze Sen.

 

The presentation commenced with a presentation of various statistics pertaining to domestic abuse, followed by data that was specific to BCWA.

 

The following services were provided:

 

}  Refuge Accommodation & Support

}  Child Support Services

}  Schools Programme

}  Community Outreach Support

}  Domestic Abuse One Stop Shop

}  Support Groups

}  Awareness & Training

 

The Committee were informed that a new holistic service had been set up in 2016—‘Breaking Down Barriers’. There were four aspects to the service:

 

·  Services for women with complex needs

·  Services for women that had no recourse to public funds

·  Specialist support for young women and girls

·  Training and awareness

 

Lottery funding had been provided for four positions within this service.

 

Funding for BCWA came from a variety of sources which included:

 

}  Rental Income

}  Big Lottery Fund

}  London Borough of Bromley

}  DCLG

}  MOPAC

}  BBC Children in Need

}  Trusts and Foundations

}  Community groups

}  Churches

}  Local Businesses

 

Members of the Committee were briefed on the financial cost of domestic abuse, which impacted across the whole of the community and society, costs were accrued in the following areas:

 

  Criminal Justice System

  Healthcare

  Social Services

  Housing & Refuge Services

  Civil Legal Costs

 

There were significant financial implications for society as a whole, in addition to the personal human cost of Domestic Abuse.  Ms Sen argued that these human and financial costs made a compelling argument for a concerted effort from all partnerships towards support and prevention.

 

In conclusion, the Committee noted a slide that showed the true story of a domestic abuse survivor. It detailed the actual cost which was £63.5k, and the cost that could have been incurred with needs led intervention which was £2.3k.

 

A member asked how many men sought help at the One Stop Shop. It was estimated that this was roughly 5/10 out of every 300 that attended. It was estimated that the total cost of running the service was circa £800,000. The main income was rental income, and then support from LBB. It was clear that if LBB reduced its financial support, then services would be affected.

 

A member asked about the usage and costs of ancillary staff. It was confirmed that ancillary staff were required, and were paid out of rental income. It was noted that current the service was running at a deficit.

 

Ms Sen explained that sometimes the women that came to them for help would have to give up their jobs.  Those that were not working would have to make a claim for full housing benefit, or make a claim for housing benefit support to top up their wages. Grants were no longer provided.

 

The Chairman asked if the women coming to the service for help would have a development plan to work towards. Ms Sen responded that sometimes domestic abuse victims would need to relocate. This was easier if a safe  ...  view the full minutes text for item 113.

114.

MOPAC UPDATE REPORT pdf icon PDF 148 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

ES 16064

 

The report was presented to update the Public Protection and Safety Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee on the annual submission to the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC).

 

The Committee were briefed that 2015/16 was the third year of a four year grant from the Local Crime Prevention Fund (LCPF) released by the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime. The grant agreement will end in March 2017.

 

A condition of the MOPAC funding was that quarterly monitoring of outcomes and outputs should be collected and submitted to MOPAC, with a final end of year return. Annual dialogue meetings with MOPAC had resulted in minor amendments to the agreement.

 

MOPAC had agreed that the LCPF would continue in April 2017 for an additional four years funding and LBB, together with partners, were preparing a new plan which would be submitted to MOPAC at the end of 2016.

 

The funding allocation for LBB was:

 

Ø  2017/18  £401,731

 

Ø  2018/19  £241,699

 

This meant that the combined 2 year allocation was £643,430

 

The 2018/19 funding was indicative of the level of funding LBB could expect in 2019/20 and 2020/21. This figure included a 30% top slice for co-commissioned services, details of which would be made clear in 2017.

 

The Chairman stated that it was still important to achieve value for money. She referred the Committee to page 104 of the agenda papers that provided some data on the Safer Bromley Van. It was noted that in Q4, the project had only achieved 54% of its referral targets, and this represented a 23% decrease in referrals from previous quarters. The Chairman expressed concern at the decreased level of activity and the delay in employing a new locksmith.

 

The Committee was happy to accept the recommendations of the report.

 

RESOLVED that

 

(1)  The Portfolio Holder agree to continue the current projects in year one, subject to a review of those existing projects to ensure they continue to offer value for money and are fit for purpose.

(2)  The Portfolio Holder agree to delegate the decision making in respect of any variations to those projects to the Executive Director for Environmental and Community Services, who will consult with the Portfolio Holder and Partners.

(3)  The Portfolio Holder agree to receive a further report in due course to report on year two funding when further detail is available.

 

115.

EXPENDITURE ON CONSULTANTS 2015/16 AND 2016/17 pdf icon PDF 101 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

CSD16151 and FSD16053

 

At its meeting on 7th September 2016, the Executive and Resources PDS Committee considered a report on expenditure on consultants across all Council departments for both revenue and capital budgets (FSD 16053).  The E&R Committee requested that the report be considered by all PDS Committees.

 

It was recommended that the Public Protection & Safety PDS Committee considers the information about expenditure on consultants relating to the Public Protection and Safety Portfolio contained in the appendices to the attached report, and decide whether any further scrutiny was required.

 

The Committee noted the information provided concerning the expenditure on consultants, and felt that no further scrutiny was required.

 

 

 

 

 

 

116.

WORK PROGRAMME AND CONTRACTS REGISTER pdf icon PDF 137 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

CSD 16161

 

The Committee noted the Work Programme and the Contracts Register.

 

The Chairman recommended that members of the Committee attend one of the LIFE passing out parades facilitated by LFB.

 

The Chairman asked that Kate Frail be recontacted with a view to organising a visit to Victim Support.

 

The Chairman requested that members of the Committee be given the opportunity to visit BCWA and the Bromley Drug and Alcohol Advisory Service.

 

 

117.

DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING

The date of the next meeting is 18th January 2017.

Minutes:

The next meeting is scheduled for January 18th 2017

Question to the Portfolio Holder from Dr Robert Hadley--Appendix A pdf icon PDF 131 KB