Venue: Committee Room A - County Hall, Llandrindod Wells, Powys. View directions
Contact: Lisa Richards 01597 826371
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APOLOGIES To receive apologies for absence. |
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST To receive declarations of interest from Members. Minutes: There were no declarations of interest. |
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DISCLOSURES OF PARTY WHIPS To receive disclosures of prohibited party whips which a Member has been given in relation to the meeting in accordance with Section 78(3) of the Local Government Measure 2011. (NB: Members are reminded that under Section 78 Members having been given a prohibited party whip cannot vote on a matter before the Committee.)
Minutes: There were no disclosures of party whips. |
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To authorise the Chair to sign the minutes of the last meeting held on 6 October 2016. Additional documents: Minutes: Documents: · Minutes of 6 October 2016 · Minutes of 31 October 2016
Outcome: · The Chair was authorised to sign the minutes of meetings held on 6 and 31 October 2016 as correct records |
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To consider the report of the Community Safety Partnership Co-ordinator. Additional documents:
Minutes: Documents: · Community Safety Partnership update
Discussion: · It was noted that there had been an increase in crime reported both in Powys and the Dyfed Powys area – however, this could be attributed to a spate of low level shed break ins, travelling criminals in the south who have been apprehended. Other travelling criminals in the north are subject to cross border work. · There has been less of an increase in anti-social behaviour in Powys than the rest of the Force area. Gwalia have the contract to manage anti-social behaviour across the area and are settling in to that role · Data relating to road traffic accidents is not being processed due to limited capacity within the service. Strategic and analytical capabilities have been virtually removed. Members were concerned that road traffic accidents were a major issue in the County and the data was essential to identify accident hotspots and ensure remedial action could be taken or whether strategies implemented are effective. The committee believed that the service was compromised and asked that this be the subject of a scrutiny review. · Domestic Abuse is not a responsibility of the CSP, but it is required to conduct domestic homicide reviews – the County is currently conducting its first review · Local Authorities can benefit from the Proceeds of Crime Act. Members asked if this influenced the cases that were pursued – it is the aim of the service to support trade rather than prosecute. The emphasis is on prevention and tight enforcement and prosecution criteria are in place. Less than 5% of cases are prosecuted. A policy regarding the proceeds of crime is also in place. Any intervention must be appropriate and proportionate. · The Committee asked if Powys managed to cover its costs, particularly when joint prosecutions are brought. Memoranda of Understanding are in place with other agencies and agreement is reached as to which agency will pursue a case through the courts. Awards of costs are determined by the court. Operation Gleam has been awarded full costs for example. · Trading Standards had taken over the National Estate Agency function and staff had been moved into that function which assisted in the process of efficiency savings. It is a challenge to ensure work is relevant and that the service can access income sources. · It was noted that a Street Pastors scheme had been launched in Newtown some time ago and Members asked how successful that had been. Newtown and Gwent have supported the launch of a new scheme in Brecon. There is a network across Powys and sharing of experience. The night-time economy has changed in recent years and historic incidences of group behaviours are fading. Licensing laws are much stronger, there is a tendency for people to drink at home and the downturn in the economy have all had an effect. · The Powys Reducing Offending Project is a statutory responsibility of the CSP. A new way of working has been introduced into the Dyfed Powys area whereby offenders have voluntarily agreed to undertake ... view the full minutes text for item PLSC57-2016 |
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Place Scrutiny Group 1 - Library Standards PDF 57 KB To consider the scrutiny summary report. Minutes: Documents: · Scrutiny Summary Report
Discussion: · Members noted the additional responsibilities being put on library staff and that no additional resources were in place to support that work.
Outcome: · Noted
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Joint Chairs Steering Group PDF 98 KB To consider the notes of the Joint Chairs and Vice Chairs Steering Group held on 18 October 2016. Minutes: Documents: · Notes of a Joint Chairs and Vice Chairs Steering Group held on 18 October 2016
Discussion: · Members noted that it was proposed that there be a review of the division of work between the two scrutiny committees and that they be renamed 1 and 2 or A and B · The Committee noted the difficulties experienced by Chairs being restricted in speaking at Cabinet and would wish to support the continued role of scrutiny committee Chairs being able to comment on issues at Cabinet · Members were of the opinion that Cabinet should be answerable to scrutiny and have a voice to ensure that the Cabinet is held to account. · The Cabinet forward work programme was not thought to be sufficiently structured to allow adequate scrutiny to take place before Cabinet meetings – some items are only raised on the day · The Chair reminded Members that attendance at scrutiny working groups was also an issue · There was further concern that scrutiny was not working as it should with some items being rejected for scrutiny which could lead to risks to the Authority · Other Members expressed concern that local Members cannot challenge Portfolio Holders
Outcome: · The Scrutiny Manager be invited to the next meeting to discuss the role of scrutiny
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To consider the forward work programme and whether any additional items should be included.
Minutes: Documents: · Work Programme
Discussion: · A number of items were included within budget proposals, but Members believed there were few opportunities to scrutinise these issues – this would be discussed with the Scrutiny Manager at the next meeting
Outcome: · Noted |
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Timing of Working Group Meetings Discussion regarding timing of working group meetings. Minutes: As the Vice Chair was not present, no discussion took place on this item. |
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CORRESPONDENCE To consider any item of correspondence which, in the opinion of the Chair, is of sufficient urgency to warrant consideration. Minutes: There were no items of correspondence. |