Issue - meetings

The Panel undertook a Scrutiny Inquiry Day (SID) on the 12^th October 2017 alongside partners to examine Community Safety -  our current picture; our challenges; and how can we shape our services for the future. A report on the SID is attached.

Councillor John Bull, Chairman of the Panel introduced the item. He explained that the Panel had looked at a number of aspects of Community Safety at the Scrutiny Inquiry Day (SID). He further explained that the areas looked at had widened. He pointed out the three recommendations in the report.

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Butters asked if there was any funding. Samantha Jones, Inclusive Communities Manager, explained that all funding for community safety is from the Police and Crime Commissioners grant, there was no Council budget for community safety. A tremendous amount of work is being done by the authority and the police on a shoe string.

Councillor Hale stated that the work is well appreciated. He noted that there was little reference at the SID to anti-social behaviour whereas public concern on this issue is high. He explained that there was a large attendance at Keynsham Area Forum on the anti-social behaviour item. He further explained that he was concerned that only 8-10 police officers cover the whole of BANES when in response mode and this is less than it has been before. He added that the beat officer for Keynsham and Saltford now covers the whole of the Chew Valley. Another issue of concern is that there are now no officers primarily assigned to burglary. He stated his grave concern and stated that there must to communication to central Government on this issue. Councillor Hale said that he would write to his local MP.

The officer stated that there were 3 speakers at the SID who gave the national, regional and local perspective and all referred to anti-social behaviour as being a precursor to other types of violence and criminality such as cyber-crime, modern slavery and people trafficking. She further explained that the Home Office is consulting on PREVENT.

Councillor Anketell Jones asked about the contacts between the Council and the Muslim Community. The officer explained that there is some good and positive contact and members could help with this.

The Chairman thanked the officers, Donna Vercoe, Samantha Jones and Lores Savine for their work on the Scrutiny Inquiry Day which was interesting, successful and positive.