Minutes:
133.1 Councillor Derek Davis introduced the report to the Committee outlining that he had been appointed as Chairman of the WSCSP in December 2021 and thanked the previous Chairman of the partnership Councillor Joanna Spicer. Additionally, Councillor Davis highlighted the work of the partnership over the previous year including the work that had been undertaken on Modern Slavery, the new Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy (VAWG), and the progress that had been made by the partnership in relation to anti-social behaviour.
133.2 Councillor Sarah Mansel, Vice Chairman of the WSCSP, detailed that the domestic abuse figures for the partnership had been higher than the national average at 19%, and that this was a priority area for the WSCSP focused on prevention and support for victims.
133.3 The Corporate Manager – Communities defined the committee’s role in relation to the WSCSP and highlighted the partnership’s key priorities.
133.4 Members queried the recent addition of CCTV cameras in Hadleigh and Sudbury and how effective these had been. The Corporate Manager – Communities responded that whilst it was too early to see the effectiveness, the installation had led to 43 arrests.
133.5 Members questioned what the geographical area of the partnership was. Councillor Derek Davis responded that the partnership covered Babergh, Mid Suffolk, and West Suffolk District Councils.
133.6 Councillor Scarff queried the Responsible Car Wash Scheme and if the status of the business would stay the same under a change of ownership. Superintendent Wratten responded that neighbourhood teams would be aware of the scheme and would report changes. The scheme was conducted through the CID (Criminal Investigation Department); However, Communities could also be asked if they notice a change. The status would be re-evaluated under a change of ownership.
133.7 Councillor Welham queried whether there was sufficient emergency accommodation for those effected by domestic violence, including men and boys. Councillor Derek Davis responded that there was enough emergency accommodation in Suffolk, and that for children short term fostering was an option.
133.8 Councillor Ekpenyong questioned what had been done to bring down the crime rate, as there had not been a lot of reduction. Superintendent Wratten responded that there had been an increase in violence, but that these figures had gone down during the pandemic. She added that these figures were low in comparison to other similar areas. However, she was also aware that generally anti-social behaviour was under reported and therefore this was a main focus area, as it could lead to more violent crime.
133.9 Councillor Caston queried how the agenda for the WSCSP was set. The Corporate Manager for Communities responded that SCC lead on this and that they consulted each council in the partnership to see what the main issues were in that area, additionally police data had also been used.
133.10 Councillor Welham queried whether the Safe Places Scheme was a priority for the partnership. Superintendent Wratten responded that there was a need for the scheme, however there needed to be an evaluation to make sure it reached the areas where the need was highest.
133.11 Councillor Carter questioned what was being done to overcome under reporting. Councillor Davis responded that the best and easiest way was the online reporting tool as it was responded to quickly. Superintendent Wratten added that resources were a challenge when responding to incidences, as the police did not have capacity for patrols. However, t not all incidents needed an immediate response.
133.12 Councillor Mary McLaren thanked those present from the WSCSP.
133.13 Members raised issues around the name of the partnership, and they felt it was confusing, because it was not clear what area was covered by the partnership. They thought that for public clarity this should be reconsidered by the Partnership.
133.14 Members also discussed the structure of the report and that it could be changed in the future in order to include more concise data, and maps of the partnership area.
133.15 Members debated the issues, and the following suggestions were made:
· That the Committee noted the contents of this report
· That the Committee do not believe that the name was helpful for people to understand the geographical area of the partnership and that the name should be reconsidered.
· That an updated tool kit be provided to all Councillors and to include what the key issues were what to look out for in these issues, what action Councillors could take, and details of emergency contacts and key
· That an information resource be put on the website for Members of the public to access information on how to report issues.
· That a briefing be set up for Members on awareness of the routes to report issues and to enable ward members to aid members of the public and Parishes.
· That in the future the structure of the report was simplified and contain a more concise data analysis.
133.16 Councillor James Caston proposed these recommendations.
133.17 Councillor Adrian Osborne seconded this motion.
By a unanimous vote
1.1That the Committee note the contents of this report.
1.2That the comments made by the Committee regarding the name of the partnership and the format of the action plan be reported back to the WSCSP.
1.3That the reporting toolkit for all Members be updated and circulated
1.4That a training session be held for all Members to ensure that all Councillors have knowledge and awareness of their role in respect of identifying and reporting crime and safety issues in their area and are able to support their town and parish councils when discussing crime and safety.
1.5That a simplified version of the action plan is circulated to all councillors with the O&S chair's report to full council on this item.
1.6Review the timing of the WSCSP report based on the meeting cycle of the partnership and ensuring that the most up to date position is reported and to review the format of the report to ensure that the information is clear, concise and has a strategic focus.
1.7To explore whether the strategic assessment is available from the County Council
Supporting documents: