Agenda and minutes

It was noted that apologies for absence had been received from Councillors D Mortimer, Mrs Parvin, Mrs Robertson and J A Wilson.

It was noted that Councillor Mrs Blackmore was substituting for Councillor J A Wilson, Councillor Mrs Joy was substituting for Councillor D Mortimer, Councillor English was substituting for Councillor Mrs Robertson.

There were no urgent items.

It was noted that Councillor Mrs Wilson was present as a Visiting Member for Agenda Item 11 – 2016-17 Strategic Assessment and 2013-18 Community Safety Partnership Plan Refresh.

During the discussion of the report of the Head of Housing and Community Services – 2016-17 Strategic Assessment and 2013-18 Community Safety Partnership Plan Refresh the Chief Executive declared an interest in an issue relating to the High Street Ward as she was a resident in that Ward.

There were no disclosures of lobbying.

RESOLVED:  That the items on the agenda be taken as proposed.

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 17 November 2015 be approved as a correct record and signed.

There were no petitions.

There were no questions from members of the public.

The Chief Executive introduced the Strategic Assessment and Community Safety Partnership Plan Refresh report by explaining that the Strategic Assessment was carried out on an annual basis to look at the prevalent statistics for Crime and Disorder and to examine new and emerging issues.

In view of that Assessment the Committee noted that there was a need to slightly change the priorities from last year due to a number of emerging issues.  One of which related to community resilience, which covered new duties that every Authority had been given as a result of the Prevent Agenda.  These related to serious crime, including radicalisation and child sexual exploitation, legal highs, self neglect and hoarding and victim support and restoration justice.

In response to Members questions, it was noted that:-

·  Slavery and trafficking would be added to the list of emerging themes

·  That the High Street Ward be separated out in regards to the data to indicate Town Centre and the more general residential area

·  Work on Anti-Social Behaviour continued to be a priority and is dealt with by the CSU and as a result of the processes put in place there had been a reduction in reported incidences over the past year

·  Domestic Violence also remained a priority. Work carried out including having a collaborative approach and providing a one stop shop had helped to give heightened support to those in need

·  In terms of the Prevent Agenda there has been a joined up and structured approach in Kent.  MBC staff have been fully briefed by the Kent County Council Officer who is leading on this. 

Terrorism is dealt with by Special Branch and Members were assured that they deal with it in a sensitive manner.

·  In terms of implementing 20 mph speed limits, Kent Police were supportive of this but felt that Highways England needed to invest in the road infrastructure.

The Chief Inspector Mick Gardner gave an update to Members:

·  The Police financial position had stabilised

·  The PCSOs will remain and numbers are not expected to decrease

·  Work on child abuse and sexual exploitation will continue to be high on the agenda.  There had been successes on enforcement around houses of ill repute which can be linked to these issues

·  Burglaries are down by 20% and theft of motor vehicles are also down

·  There had been successes in bringing organised gangs to justice

It was proposed by Councillor Mrs Ring and seconded by Councillor English that in view of the issues raised by Members during discussions that recommendation 2 should be changed to “That the Communities, Housing and Environment Committee recommend to Council that the 2013-18 Community Safety Partnership document refresh is adopted and implemented by the Safer Maidstone Partnership subject to the addition of trafficking, slavery and narrative for High Street Ward”.

VOTING:  For:  7  Against:  0  Abstentions:  0

Motion Carried.

RESOLVED:

(1)  That the Communities, Housing and Environment Committee recommend to Council that the 2016-17 Strategic Assessment is adopted and implemented by the Safer Maidstone  ...  view the full minutes text for item 136.

6.30 p.m. to 7.10 p.m.