Places Scrutiny Panel – 29 July 2014

PRESENT: –  Councillor Evison in the chair.

Councillors Davison (vice-chair), Clark, T Foster and Oldfield.

Councillors L Foster, C Sherwood and Whiteley attended the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Procedure Rule 1.37 (b).

The panel met at the Civic Centre, Scunthorpe.

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

No whip was declared.

400  MINUTES – Resolved – That the minutes of the proceedings of this panel held on 8 July 2014, having been printed and circulated amongst the members, be taken as read and correctly recorded and signed by the chairman.

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

402  CABINET MEMBER AND SERVICE AREA PRIORITIES – The Chairman welcomed Councillor Briggs to the meeting, the council’s Cabinet Member for Asset Management, Culture and Housing.  Councillor Briggs had been invited to the panel meeting to update members on any key decisions, important business or key developments, which had occurred during the last quarter.  The Cabinet Member focussed on developments being made with the council’s housing portfolio, movement on the Property Trading Account and the success of the council’s cultural offer.

Following the update, the Chairman invited members to question the Cabinet Member for Asset Management, Culture and Housing.

Resolved – (a) That the oral update be noted; (b) that the Cabinet Member for Asset Management, Culture and Housing be thanked for his attendance, presentation and for answering members’ questions, and (c) that the 21 October 2014 meeting be held at Normanby Hall Country Park.

403  (6)  ADDED ITEMTHE JOINT STRATEGIC INTELLIGENCE ASSESSMENT AND THE PLACEMENT OF COUNCIL EMPLOYED POLICE COMMUNITY SUPPORT OFFICERSThe Chairman invited Councillor Davison to introduce her added item and explain the rationale behind the request. 

Councillor Davison explained that the Joint Strategic Intelligence Assessment (JSIA) clearly showed that the priority wards for the Safer Neighbourhoods Partnership were Brumby, Crosby and Park, Frodingham and Town.  This was reinforced with the primary hotspot in North Lincolnshire for criminal behaviour being Scunthorpe town centre and Crosby and Park ward.  Consequently, the five council employed Police Community Support Officer’s (PCSO’s) should be deployed in those wards, not the rural areas.  Councillor Davison informed the meeting that following discussions with senior Humberside Police Officers, they shared the same viewpoint. 

The Chairman invited the Director of Places, Assistant Director Technical and Environment Services and Head of Safer Neighbourhoods to respond to the points raised by Councillor Davison.  The Director delivered a short Powerpoint presentation to panel members on the findings from the recent JSIA, and how the document was used to assist the Partnership in focusing their activity.

Following the presentation, the Chairman invited panel members to discuss the issue of the JSIA and the placement of council funded PCSO’s.

Resolved – (a) That the position be noted, and (b) that the Director of Places, Assistant Director Technical and Environment Services and Head of Service of Safer Neighbourhoods be thanked for their attendance and contribution at the meeting.

404  THE PROMOTION OF TOURISM IN NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE– The Director of Policy and Resources provided an oral update on the status of the review.

Resolved – That the update be noted.