Agenda item

This report sets out progress made within the areas covered by the Portfolio Holder for Resources which fall within the remit of this Committee.

Discussion:

Members received an overview of progress made on the areas within the scope of the Portfolio Holder for Resources which fell within the remit of this Committee.

The Chairman reminded the Committee that some areas of the Portfolio Holder’s report did not fall with the remit of his Portfolio but had been included in the report to provide context in their relationship with Community Safety issues.

The Portfolio Holder responded to Members’ questions and comments as follows:

·         Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) – In response to a suggestion that PSPOs to be expanded to cover areas where alcohol and drug related litter was evident, the Portfolio Holder agree to refer this to the Police to assess whether such orders would be appropriate to address issues of this natue.

In noting that the former Designated Public Places Orders (DPPOs) or Alcohol Control Zones in Chatham, Gillingham, Rochester and Strood had automatically become PSPOs on 20 October 2017, a Member sought clarification as to whether it was possible for boundaries of the areas to be extended. In particular, he wished to see the Chatham PSPO extended to cover Luton. In response the Portfolio Holder suggested that once the PSPOs had been given time to settle, it may be possible to investigate possible expansion.

·         Safe Haven and the work of the Medway Street Pastors -  A Member sought clarification as to the services that would be on offer when the Safe Haven and Medway Street Pastors visit Gillingham High Street.

In response, the Portfolio Holder outlined the work that was currently undertaken by the Street Pastors in Rochester and advised that the Gillingham initiative was in early stages as a location for the Safe Haven bus had yet to be identified.

·         Community Safety Team – A Member requested whether the  Community Safety Team was a new addition to the service or would involve the redeployment of existing staff. He referred to an underspend in the Safer Communities Budget which had arisen due to staff vacancies and he expressed the view that this could have provided additional staffing.

The Portfolio Holder confirmed that the Community Safety Team would involve existing staff and the re-targeting of existing resources. Referring to the underspend in the Safer Communities budget this could not be allocated for additional staffing, owing to the existing budget pressures facing the Council.

The Member concerned requested that he be provided with specific information on the underspend in the Safer Communities budget.

·         Illegal tobacco sales – In response to a question concerning progress in tracking the sale of illegal tobacco, the Trading Services Team Leader confirmed that six shops had been closed down and 2 cases were pending.

·         Police resources for Gillingham and other urban areas – A Member sought information on whether the Portfolio Holder was satisfied there were sufficient Police resources to cover Gillingham and other urban areas. In response, the Portfolio Holder stated that he was satisfied with the allocation of resources by the Police. He confirmed that he had met with the Police Crime Commissioner and discussed the issue of police resources both for the urban and rural areas of Medway.

Decisions:

The Committee:

a)            thanked the Portfolio Holder for Resources for attending the meeting and answering questions.

b)            requested that the Portfolio Holder for Resources pass on the Committee’s appreciation to the various partners of the Community Safety Partnership for their work in 2017.

c)            noted that:

·         officers will investigate whether the Police had powers to address the issue of alcohol and drug related litter under the Public Space Protection Orders.

·         the Assistant Director Front Line Services will provide information on the underspend on the Safer Communities budget to the Member direct

d)            requested that in future, reports for the Portfolio Holder for Resources clearly indicate those areas that fall within the remit of another Portfolio Holder or another Overview and Scrutiny Committee so that there is no confusion as to the items to be discussed at this Committee.