Agenda for Community Safety Forum on Monday, 3rd March, 2014, 4.00pm
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Contact: Ross Keatley Acting Democratic Services Manager
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Procedural Business (a) Declaration of Substitutes: Where Councillors are unable to attend a meeting, a substitute Member from the same Political Group may attend, speak and vote in their place for that meeting.
(b) Declarations of Interest:
(a) Disclosable pecuniary interests not registered on the register of interests; (b) Any other interests required to be registered under the local code; (c) Any other general interest as a result of which a decision on the matter might reasonably be regarded as affecting you or a partner more than a majority of other people or businesses in the ward/s affected by the decision.
In each case, you need to declare (i) the item on the agenda the interest relates to; (ii) the nature of the interest; and (iii) whether it is a disclosable pecuniary interest or some other interest.
If unsure, Members should seek advice from the committee lawyer or administrator preferably before the meeting.
(d) Exclusion of Press and Public: To consider whether, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, or the nature of the proceedings, the press and public should be excluded from the meeting when any of the following items are under consideration.
NOTE: Any item appearing in Part 2 of the Agenda states in its heading either that it is confidential or the category under which the information disclosed in the report is exempt from disclosure and therefore not available to the public.
A list and description of the categories of exempt information is available for public inspection at Brighton and Hove Town Halls. Minutes: 24a Declaration of Substitutes
24.1 There were none.
24b Declarations of Interest
24.2 There were none.
24c Exclusion of the Press and Public
24.3 In accordance with section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 (‘the Act’), the Community Safety Forum considered whether the press and public should be excluded from the meeting during an item of business on the grounds that it was likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the press or public were present during that item, there would be disclosure to them of confidential information (as defined in section 100A(3) of the Act) or exempt information (as defined in section 100I of the Act).
24.4 RESOLVED - That the press and public are not excluded from the meeting.
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Minutes of the Previous Meeting Minutes of the meeting held on 7 October 2013. Minutes: 25.1 RESOLVED – That the minutes of the Community Safety Forum meeting held on 7 October 2013 be agreed and signed as a correct record.
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Chair's Communications Minutes: 26.1 There were none. |
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Public Involvement To consider the following matters raised by members of the public:
(a) Petitions: to receive any petitions presented by members of the public to the full council or at the meeting itself; (b) Written Questions: to receive any questions submitted by the due date of 12 noon on the (24 February 2014); (c) Deputations: to receive any deputations submitted by the due date of 12 noon on the (24 February 2014). Minutes: 27.1 The Forum noted that there were no petitions, written questions, or deputations from members of the public.
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Member Involvement To consider the following matters raised by councillors:
(a) Petitions: to receive any petitions submitted to the full Council or at the meeting itself; (b) Written Questions: to consider any written questions; (c) Letters: to consider any letters; (d) Notices of Motion: to consider any Notices of Motion referred from Council or submitted directly to the Committee. Minutes: 28.1 The Forum noted that there were no petitions, written questions, letters or Notices of Motion received from councillors or other members of the Forum.
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Report from the Police & Crime Panel Minutes of the meetings held on 11 October 2013 and 24 January 2014 (copies attached). Additional documents: Minutes: 29.1 The Forum considered the minutes of meetings held on 11 October 2013 and 24 January 2014. The Chair noted that the Police and Crime Commissioner had revised the policing part of the council tax precept for 2014/15 downwards from 3.6% to 1.95%.
29.2 RESOLVED – That the contents of the minutes be noted. |
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Crime trends and performance in Brighton & Hove: Position up to December 2013 Report of the Head of Community Safety (copy attached). Minutes: 30.1 The Forum considered a report of the Commissioner for Community Safety describing recent activities and progress relating to priority areas in the Brighton & Hove Community Safety, Crime Reduction and Drugs Strategy 2011-14. Graphs showing monthly crime data from April 2009 to December 2013 were provided which set recent data in the context of both longer term trends and seasonal crime cycles.
30.2 Councillor Morgan referred to paragraph 3.29 in relation to Hate Incidents and Crimes. He accepted that there was improved reporting but wondered if the recent debate on immigration had led to an increase in figures. He asked if the BME community had been contacted regarding this matter.
30.3 Peter Castleton, Community Safety Manager replied that he was in contact with organisations with regard to hate crimes. There was not an underlying increase in actual incidents. People were now more likely to record crimes.
30.4 Councillor Barnett referred to Alcohol misuse and Alcohol-related disorder. She stressed that large stores like Tesco were selling high strength alcohol.
30.5 Councillor Simson considered that the local ‘Sensible on Strength’ scheme was a brilliant initiative. It was targeting small stores at the moment. As far as she was aware supermarkets had not been asked to be involved in the scheme at present; however, they were aware of the initiative. Street drinkers were more likely to buy single cans from small stores.
30.6 Councillor Simson referred to the Inspire initiative based at the Brighton Women’s Centre which worked with female offenders. She asked if this initiative would receive ongoing funding. Councillor Simson asked for an update on the alcohol free pub. Councillor Simson referred to the section on anti social behaviour. She noted that the phone number for reporting anti-social behaviour was answered by the Community Safety Team. Councillor Simson asked what happened if the anti-social behaviour was reported elsewhere. Was this work linked up?
30.7 Councillor Simson stressed the importance of the Early Help pathway. The work was originally about young families, but it was important to work with young people. Councillor Simson asked if there had been increased reporting of 16 and 17 olds in relation to domestic violence.
30.8 The Commissioner for Community Safety said she did not have information to hand about the recovery café but would answer this question through the You Said We Did process. Inspire was a women offender programme. It originally had national funding and now had money confirmed for next near. The programme had been extended to East & West Sussex. This would help secure funding for the whole project beyond the coming year and would be linked to the Police and Crime Commissioner. The Early Help pathway was in the early stage of development and would focus on families and young people.
30.9 James Rowlands, Violence against Women and Girls Commissioner, explained that there was data relating to 16 and 17 year olds. This would be monitored and a workshop would take place in March, which would bring together local services to look at the specific issues around support for this group since the change in the national definition to include them.
30.10 Peter Castleton, Community Safety Manager, Casework, confirmed that there were good links between the council and a number of other services with regard to dealing with anti-social behaviour
30.11 Councillor Robins referred to the section on Neighbourhoods and Quality of Life. He noted that posters highlighting theft from cars were appearing on lampposts in his neighbourhood. As a result he had received concerned emails from his constituents. Councillor Robins questioned whether the posters were helpful or causing unnecessary worry.
30.12 Chief Superintendent Nev Kemp explained that the purpose of the posters was to make people aware of vehicle crime hotspots and were targeted in appropriate locations. Over 50% of thefts were from unsecured vehicles. 40% of property thefts were from unsecured properties. He was open to suggestion as to how to warn people to secure their property.
30.13 Councillor McCafferty informed the Forum that he had had a question from a resident regarding female genital mutilation. He asked if there were any figures available on this issue. He was not sure if this practice was prevalent in the city.
30.14 The Violence Against Women and Girls Commissioner replied that the prevalence in the city was unknown, but information was being sought. Officers were trying to ensure that there was preventative education in schools with discussions on this issue.
30.15 Francis Tonks was pleased to see the improvements at the Level and noted the beneficial effect on crime figures. Mr Tonks was concerned to see an increase in racist and religiously motivated crime which was a worrying trend.
30.16 The Commissioner for Community Safety explained that Brighton & Hove Community Safety Partnership was one of the first partnerships to set up an anti victimisation unit declaring the unacceptability of racist crime and religiously motivated crime. Work delivered included improving the response that was given to victims, and identifying hotspots. It was important that the risks and vulnerability of victims was accurately assessed. A worrying development was targeting people for their religious beliefs. This was a very high priority.
30.17 Chief Superintendent Kemp stated that locally he was not aware of increased trends with one exception. There was an ongoing protest outside the Ecostream store in Western Road, involving pro Israeli and pro Palestinian groups. Most arrests involved passers by who gave the Hitler salute.
30.18 The Chair made the point that anti-Polish assaults had increased.
30.19 RESOLVED – (1) That the information provided in the report be noted.
(2) That the feedback from members detailed above be noted.
(3) That the potential for supporting crime reduction and community safety priorities within members’ own organisation or local community, as detailed in the discussion above be noted. |
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Report of the East Sussex Fire Authority Minutes of the meeting of the East Sussex Fire Authority held on 12 December 2013 (copy attached) and 14 February 2014 (to follow). Minutes: 31.1 Councillor Simson expressed concern about the increased numbers of fires started deliberately. She asked how the Forum could work with the Fire Authority. She felt that the link had been lost.
31.2 Inspector Davies explained that Sussex Police received a report on intentional fires on a monthly basis. The fire authority tracked and investigated trends that were highlighted. There was a joined up approach with the police.
31.3 Councillor Morgan drew attention to Item 2 of the minutes of 14th February 2014 in relation to Integrated Risk Management (IRMP) Review of Prevention, Protection and Response. Councillor Morgan asked about the current situation with regard to proposals to change Hove Fire Station. He asked if there would be a report back on this matter.
31.4 The Chair replied that he had received an email from the Fire Authority with regard to consultation. He would find a way of bringing people together to discuss this matter further.
31.5 RESOLVED – That the contents of the minutes of the meetings held on 12th December 2013 and 14th February 2014 be noted. |
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'You Said We Did' Verbal update from the previous meeting(s). Minutes: 32.1 The Commissioner for Community Safety circulated a report on actions from the Community Safety Forum held on 7th October 2013. The Commissioner explained that a report on matters raised at meetings would be brought back to the next meeting or sent out with the minutes.
32.2 The report informed members with regard to:
· Sensible on Strength – A voluntary ‘Sensible on Strength’ Initiative had seen over 70 alcohol retail businesses sign up to not selling beers and ciders with an ABV of 6% or over. · Police Community Support Officers and mobile phones – Confirmed that PCSO’s continued to be provided with mobile phones. · Independent Drug Commission – A working Group was meeting monthly and concluding its work. · Chairs meeting of Local Action Teams and sharing good practice – A Chairs’ meeting took place on 3rd December. A further Chairs’ meeting was planned. · Violence Against Women & Girls: Sentencing guidelines – A Private Members Bill in Parliament is proposing that domestic violence becomes a crime type in itself and is prosecuted as such. · Violence Against Women & Girls: Healthy Relationships in schools – The Healthy Schools Programme led by Public Health is to incorporate a programme of work with children and young people which will help to promote an understanding of healthy relationships and prevent domestic and sexual violence. Ongoing work was delivered by RISE. · Street Population – A number of new initiatives are being pursued which aim to reduce risk and vulnerability within the street population. This included a new Health and Social Care Board which would seek to integrate services to those who are insecurely house and street homeless. Emergency Assessment Centres were already meeting the needs of individuals from within the street population.
32.3 The Chair reported that Graham Bartlett would be appearing on TV to discuss consumption rooms.
32.4 Councillor Morgan referred to the item on violence against women & girls: Sentencing guidelines. He stressed that Private Members Bills did not usually become law. Councillor Morgan referred to the recent appointment of the Honorary Recorder. He asked if there could be discussions to see if the role could be more than an honorary one. There was currently an attempt to promote the confidence of people in recording crimes and better sentencing was required.
32.5 The Chair reported that he had held discussions with the recorder about these matters and had had a productive conversation.
32.6 Councillor Simson stated that she was pleased to hear that the improvements at The Level had led to a decrease of problems in the area. She noted that the work of the London Road LAT had contributed to that work.
32.7 RESOLVED – That the verbal update be noted. |
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Review of the Community Safety Forum Report of the Head of Community Safety (copy attached). Additional documents: Minutes: 33.1 The Forum considered a report of the Commissioner for Community Safety which proposed recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the Community Safety Forum in fulfilling its statutory responsibilities.
33.2 The Commissioner for Community Safety informed members that the Terms of Reference for the Forum were out of date and needed to be amended as suggested in paragraph 2.3 of the report. The report also suggested that the Forum met less frequently; possibly two or three times a year instead of 4 or 5 times as at present. This would assist members who had busy lives and help the Forum focus on its core strategies.
33.3 The Chair stated that the feedback from the Local Action Teams indicated that it was difficult for members of the LATs to attend Community Safety Forum meeting as well as meetings of the LATs. He invited members to comment on the proposals.
33.4 Derek Peacock asked how more people could be encouraged to attend the Community Safety Forum. He felt that the Chairs of various related Forums should attend these meetings and felt it was important to have a united Forum.
33.5 The Chair stressed that the question to ask was whether this meeting was going to make a difference. Most of the reports on the agenda were for noting other than the Terms of Reference. He considered that the Forum should meet to consider strategies and important documents. He gave the example of the City Assembly which met a couple of times a year to discuss strategic housing issues, whilst the Housing Area Panels met more frequently to discuss local housing issues.
33.6 Derek Peacock (Independent Advisory Group, Sussex Police) asked if the Police and Crime Plan sent out by the Police and Crime Commissioner would affect the crime strategy. The Commissioner, Community Safety confirmed that this was the case. The work would be linked.
33.7 Councillor Morgan considered that there was a slight risk of fewer people attending if there were fewer meetings. Some of the meetings of the Community Safety Forum had been long. Fewer meetings could lead to even longer meetings. If there were to be only two meetings a year, then there needed to be provision for extraordinary meetings.
33.8 The Chair confirmed that there was provision for the Chair and the two Opposition Spokespersons to arrange a special meeting if required. In the meanwhile it had been a struggle to get key members to attend the Forum. For example, there was no fire authority representative in attendance.
33.9 Pat Weller (Hangleton & Knoll Community LAT) stressed the importance of the Community Safety Forum meetings. However, she noted that many of the people involved in the local LAT were retired and were not always able to attend meetings.
33.10 Councillor Simson suggested that the meetings could be reduced to three a year. In the meanwhile, there needed to be an investigation into why LAT chairs did not attend the Forum. A general consultation document could be sent out to members asking them for their reasons for not attending.
33.11 Sylvia Howell (Bevendean LAT) stated that the Community Safety Forum meetings were important to LAT members. She would agree to three meetings a year but no less.
33.12 Clare Tikly (Goldsmid LAT) stated that she felt that two meetings a year would be too seldom. She would welcome the opportunity to break out into smaller groups and would like the opportunity to asked questions by email in between meetings.
33.13 RESOLVED – (1) That the Forum continues to be the place which fulfils the statutory role required by the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (as set in the report and attached appendix) making recommendations to Policy and Resources Committee for decisions on priorities and full council as necessary.
(2) That there is an increased focus on the role of the Forum being to receive and consider strategic assessments of crime and disorder, to consult with communities and on the basis of that consultation, to agree crime reduction and safety priorities for inclusion within the three yearly Community Safety, Crime Reduction and Drugs Strategies.
(3) That the Terms of Reference are amended to reflect:
· the abolition of the Police Authority · the mutual duty on the local authority and Police and Crime Commissioner to have regard to each others priorities, to co-operate to reduce crime and disorder and reduce offending and to do that in consultation with local communities · that minutes of the meetings of the Police and Crime Panel will be considered by the Community Safety Forum together with report backs from elected representatives to the Panel · the Community Safety Forum as one of a number of arrangements that are in place to resolve outstanding concerns in relation to crime and disorder, referencing the role of Local Action Teams and community led Forums
(4) That support continues to the network of Local Action Teams and community led Forums to ensure that they are most effectively integrated in the day to day work of the community safety partnership.
(5) That the timetable of Community Safety Forum meetings is reflective of the increased focus of its core statutory duties and role on relation to the Police and Crime Panels. This consideration will result in the meetings being reduced to three scheduled meetings a year.
(6) That further feedback be sought from the Chairs of LATs regarding attendance at the Community Safety Forum meetings. |
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Crime Reduction & Safety Priorities 2014-14 Presentation from the Head of Community Safety. Minutes: 34.1 The Forum considered a presentation with slides from the Commissioner for Community Safety. The presentation set out an overview of priority areas for the Community Safety and Crime Reduction Strategy 2014-17. The priority areas covered People and Places, Drugs Misuse, Alcohol Misuse, Anti-Social Behaviour, Racist/Religiously Motivated Incidents, Building Resilience and Preventing Extremism, LGBT Hate Incidents, Disability Hate Incidents, Children, Young People and Families, Reducing Offending, Violence Against Women & Girls, Modern Slavery and Child Sexual Exploitation.
34.2 The Commissioner for Community Safety explained that a key achievement was a sustained reduction in total crime. (23,602 in 2012/13). Members were asked to agree the priority areas for 2014-17.
34.3 Councillor Bowden noted that the presentation did not provide comparative figures with regard to crimes. For example, he asked how the figure of 23,602 compared to other years. He was pleased that see that work would be included on helping older disabled people. With regard to drugs misuse, Councillor Bowden asked if there would be partnership working between housing, public health and the NHS with regard to mental health. Councillor Bowden made the point that BME residents had been highlighted in the section on racist/religiously motivated incidents. He stressed that newer members of the European Community were often targeted. Councillor Bowden referred to the section on Building Resilience and Preventing Extremism. He made the point that the March for England was pushing people into extremism.
34.4 The Commissioner for Community Safety informed members that the comparative data was provided in the Strategic Assessment of Crime & Disorder 2013 document. It was agreed that members could be sent an electronic copy of the document. It would also be placed on the Council’s website. There would be a link to the document from the council website. With regard to the March for England, the law allowed peaceful protests. Drugs misuse work was led by Public Health. The Community Safety Team now sat within Public Health. Substance Misuse work would be recommissioned in 2015. The work was multi agency and involved housing and mental health services.
34.5 Derek Peacock referred to cyber crime and asked how it could be included in the strategy. Chief Superintendent Nev Kemp replied that Cyber Crime was included in the Sussex Police Delivery Plan. There was a fund for tackling cyber crime. The crime affected local people but was cross boundary. He was not sure if the local plan could tackle the problem. The Chair stated that this matter could be further investigated.
34.6 Councillor Simson stressed that it was difficult to keep people in treatment for alcohol misuse. She would like to see the detail in the strategy. Councillor Simson referred to the section on Violence Against Women & Girls. She commented that the reference to changing the behaviours of victims was the wrong language.
34.7 Clare Tikly (Goldsmid LAT) thanked the Commissioner for Community Safety for the presentation. Ms Tikly stated that working to a strategy would help to strengthen her role as Chair of the Goldsmid LAT. She looked forward to seeing the detail on the website.
34.8 Councillor Robins stated that he was saddened by casual racism, homophobia and disability abuse. He was aware that people often did not feel comfortable about reporting such behaviour and wondered if there was a case for education. The Chair replied that it was about education and a firm response when people were caught out.
34.9 The Commissioner for Community Safety explained that there were excellent education programmes within schools to inform children about faiths and countries of origin. Sam Beal in Children’s Services was encouraging schools to be involved in these programmes. It was hoped that the new generation would think differently. What was being experienced locally was triggered by national and international events.
34.10 Peter Castleton, Community Safety Manager, stated that St Marks School had been the only school so far to respond to an offer of support from the Racial Harassment Forum. Peter and the Chair of the Forum, Dr Yagoub, met with the Head Teacher, the governors and staff to help and support them to engage with parents and young people when there was inappropriate behaviour.
34.11 Councillor Bowden agreed that it took a brave person to challenge inappropriate behaviour. He stated that inappropriate language in the city had held back women and gay people.
34.12 Clare Tikly asked if the local authority had an influence in non local authority schools. The Chair replied that the council did not have a direct say in government funded schools. Fortunately, all schools had agreed to work in partnership. The council had no influence on independent schools.
34.13 RESOLVED – (1) That the presentation be noted.
(2) That the priority areas for the Community Safety and Crime Reduction Strategy 2014-17 be agreed. |