Issue - meetings

The Head of Housing and Community Services introduced the report which had been written in response to the Member Agenda Item Request that was presented to the Committee in June 2020. A typographical correction to the recommendation of the report was made whereby points 3.1-3.3 should have stated points 2.1-2.3 inclusive.

Reference was made to the Committees involvement in the Strategic Plan and the overarching objectives set for the Community Protection Team as a result, through its function as the Crime and Disorder Committee. However, to encourage greater member involvement the report recommendations included a series of Briefing Sessions, an increase in Member dialogue through the creation of “Ward Clusters” that would include up to four wards in any one Cluster, and an improved communication strategy.

The Head of Housing and Community Services confirmed that during the Coronavirus lockdown period, there had been a 56% increase in demand for the services provided by the Community Protection Team. In one particular week this had amounted to a 270% increase in calls to the team. Particular attention was drawn to the confidential nature of much of the work undertaken by the Community Protection Team, but that Members would be informed of the team’s successes.

Councillor Springett addressed the Committee as a Visiting Member and referenced the need for greater officer presence in many areas.

The Committee welcomed the report and the proposed increase in Member Engagement, with particular reference made to the “Ward Clusters”.

RESOLVED: That

1.  A series of Member Briefing Sessions to raise Member’s Awareness be agreed, that would include:

a.  Noise and Nuisance Investigations, including event noise;

b.  Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour and the role of the District Contextual Safeguarding Meeting in protecting young people; and  

c.  Domestic Abuse Services and the role of Domestic Abuse Champions.

2.  An Increase in Member Dialogue to occur through the opportunity to conduct frequent engagement sessions with Kent Police and Key Partners on Anti-Social Behaviour, Nuisance and Concerns, be agreed. This would include:

a.  The creation of “Ward Clusters” that contained up to four wards based on geography, urban or rural setting, demographics and concerns;

b.  Twice annual meetings with Ward Members and Parish Chairs as appropriate for each Cluster; and

c.  The creation and agreement of collaborative plans to address local concerns, through the utilisation of an evidence-based approach, that would be collated and reported to the Committee annually.

3.  An Increase in Member’s awareness of successes through an improved Communication Strategy between Officers and Members, with the possible creation of an online newsletter, be agreed; and

4.  The Committee recommend that the relevant Officers consider that the vacant Safer Communities Officer post be filled as soon as practically possible.