Agenda item

The Committee considered the report of the Portfolio Holder for Public Protection & Community Relations, Councillor Paul Taylor.

As detailed in the report, the Portfolio Holder had been invited to attend Committee to respond verbally to four specific queries, as detailed within the report. 

In relation to the work carried out by Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Officers and Community Protection Officers (CPO) in tackling ASB, the Portfolio Holder referred to the multi-agency work recently carried out on Yorke Drive.  Officers had assisted in the gathering of intelligence and evidence to secure enforcement action.  This type of action was also carried out in other areas throughout the district.  The CPOs and ASB Officers dealt with complaints which are then triaged and signposted to the most appropriate recipient.  The Portfolio Holder also noted that the officers dealt with reports surrounding safeguarding issues and that the Safer Streets initiative had resulted in a 40% in recorded incidents of ASB.

In referring to what the challenges were experienced when dealing with ASB, the Portfolio Holder stated that the main challenge was in relation to the volume of reported incidents and the complexity of the cases, noting that there were often underlying issues, for example, the mental health of the individuals involved.

In relation to the importance of the Council’s working relationship with the Police and other partners in tackling youth ASB, the Portfolio Holder stated that the Council had a good working relationship with the Police.  The aim was to reduce incidents of ASB as early as possible by attending primary schools to speak to young children about this.

In noting the question raised about tackling ASB in the Sherwood area, the Portfolio Holder advised that reported incidents were dealt with and processed in the same way across the district.  He acknowledged that Newark received additional funding but that that was outside the control of the Council as it was based on crime data. 

In response to whether the Council should consider increasing budget provision to assist in further reducing incidents of ASB, the Portfolio Holder advised that a budget bid would be submitted for additional funding and this would be primarily for diversionary work.  He added that currently, investigations into domestic homicide reviews was funding from reserves but it was likely that an application for funding to assist with those would also be submitted. 

In referring to the previous external organisation used to assist with Fixed Penalty Notices being disbanded, a Member queried as to the latest situation.  The Portfolio Holder advised that the Council and appointed an alternative company who were in the process of mobilisation, but this was unfortunately taking longer than expected.  The Chair requested that the Committee be provided with an update on how this would be progressed.

A Member queried whether the recent spate of anti-asylum seekers protests were affecting ASB figures and also the placement of flags on lighting columns.  The Portfolio Holder responded by stating that we had not seen the level of protests that had happened elsewhere and the one that had taken place had been well policed and had seen no incidents. The Portfolio Holder explained that the undoubted patriotic intent in putting up flags was understood however, the placement of flags on lighting columns could be irresponsible, if they came loose and fell into the path of a motorist they could be the driver at risk.   

CI Collings added that he had been appointed as the officer in charge of the recent protest at Castle House.  He commented that such protests were likely to reduce in number as the season changed to autumn, adding that community cohesion was a challenge for the Police. 

In referring to knife crime, a Member advised that she had attended an event at the YMCA which had been run by young people.  She advised that they had presented some good initiatives to combat knife crime.  The Portfolio Holder commented that such incidents were rare in Newark.  CI Collings advised that his Officers attended primary schools to teach the students about being a good citizen and it was hoped that this would be the best way to educate them from a young age. 

In concluding the debate, the Chair stated that it was the responsibility of adults that respected the Police to actively promote how to be a good citizen.  He requested that Members be kept informed of any upcoming events, such as that held at the YMCA.

AGREED      (unanimously) that the response of the Portfolio Holder for Public Protection & Community Relations to the questions raised be noted.