Agenda item - High Rise Security Options

(copy attached).

37.1      The Panel considered a report that provided information on the steps taken to manage and reduce unwanted visitors accessing low and high rise blocks, provided recommendations on a sustainable approach to manage the issue ongoing and expanded upon options raised such as CCTV systems and concierge service.

37.2      Ann Tizzard asked if the cost of security sweeps would be passed on to tenants.

37.3      The Performance & Improvement Officer confirmed that it would not but was provided as an example in the report to demonstrate that the high cost could not be maintained.

37.4      Simon Zapello asked if council employees could conduct security sweeps of blocks as this would be lower in cost.

37.5      The Performance & Improvement Officer noted a concierge service was noted in the report as a potential option should the current proposals noted work.

37.6      Joe MacRae stated that he had been told the trade buttons should be turned off at noon every day and that he had experienced difficulties performing his role as tenant representative because of this.

37.7      The Performance & Improvement Officer stated that the council would work with tenant representatives to ensure they could distribute information effectively. She added that trade buttons were turned off at 1pm and there had been a request from Royal Mail that this be extended to 6pm. It was the council’s view that this was too long and would present a security risk to blocks.

37.8      Alison Gray stated that other organisations apart from Royal Mail required access through the trades button.

37.9      The Performance & Improvement Officer clarified that the council only had a duty to provide access for Royal Mail adding that residents were required to choose if they wanted access to be granted at any time or to be provided through a key fob system.

37.10   Jean Carter stated that Evelyn Court currently operated a key fob system and experienced almost no security issues at all.

37.11   Tenant representatives conducted an indicative vote on the proposals that resulted in a 6 to 4 majority in favour of retaining the trades button.

37.12   RESOLVED- That the report be noted.