Places Scrutiny Panel – 23 September 2013

MINUTES

PRESENT:  Councillor Evison in the chair.
Councillors England, T Foster, Oldfield and Whiteley.

Councillor Wells attended the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Procedure Rule 1.37 (b).

The panel met at the Civic Centre, Scunthorpe.

298  DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS AND PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS AND DECLARATIONS OF WHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS (IF ANY) – There were no declarations of pecuniary or personal and prejudicial interests.

No whip was declared.

299  MINUTES – Resolved – That the minutes of the proceedings of this panel held on 4 September 2013, having been printed and circulated amongst the members, be taken as read and correctly recorded and signed by the chairman.

300  PUBLIC REQUESTS TO SPEAK – There were no requests received.

301  POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER FOR HUMBERSIDE – The Chairman welcomed Mr Matthew Grove to the meeting, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside.  Mr Grove had been invited to the meeting to discuss a number of social, criminal and strategic policing issues which directly affected North Lincolnshire.

Members questioned Mr Grove on the following –

  • Alleviating criminal and social problems associated with some members of the gypsy and traveller community;
  • Impact on North Lincolnshire of a reported 25% reduction in Humberside Police officers and civilian staff;
  • Future of Police Community Support Officers;
  • Funding of Community Safety Partnerships;
  • Policing Priorities for North Lincolnshire;
  • Tackling domestic abuse;
  • Reducing shop theft;
  • Young Offenders schemes;
  • Child Sexual Exploitation;
  • Alcohol related crime;
  • Future of Air Support Unit;
  • Metal thefts;
  • Police pensions

Resolved – (a) That the Police and Crime Commissioner be thanked for his attendance and for answering members questions, and (b) that Mr Grove be invited to attend on an annual basis the council’s Crime and Disorder Committee (Places Scrutiny Panel).

302  (10)  EXECUTIVE ACTION PLAN IN RESPONSE TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN THE ‘COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE’ OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY REPORT – The Chairman welcomed Will Bell and Dave Hey, the council’s Assistant Director Legal and Democratic Services and Head of Stronger Communities to the meeting to discuss the Executive’s action plan in response to the scrutiny panel’s review of ‘community engagement in North Lincolnshire’.

Members were guided through each recommendation and a discussion ensued on all the outstanding actions.

Resolved – (a) That the council’s Assistant Director Legal and Democratic Services and Head of Stronger Communities be thanked for their attendance and for answering members questions, (b) that Cabinet be asked to endorse the action plan, and (c) that the officers be congratulated for the expedient and efficient way that all the recommendations had been implemented.

303  ADDED ITEM – There was no added item for consideration at the meeting.