To receive questions from members of the public in accordance with Standing Order No. 12.
Question submitted by Paul Christopher Stone ‘Kris’;
How many 'Community Protection Notices' have been issued in Chesterfield for each year since their introduction and what safeguards are in place to ensure that officers, are not using 'Community Protection Notices', as an unwitting instrument for vexatious neighbours?
Minutes:
Under Standing Order No. 12, the following question was asked by Paul Christopher ‘Kris’ Stone:
How many 'Community Protection Notices' have been issued in
Chesterfield for each year since their introduction and what safeguards are in place to ensure that officers, are not using 'Community Protection Notices', as an unwitting instrument for vexatious neighbours?
Councillor Mannion-Brunt provided a verbal response as follows:
· A total of 19 Community Protection Notices (CPNs) had been issued since their introduction in October 2014
· The Council uses a proportionate approach to enforcement, employing supportive interventions in the first instance e.g. education and engagement, only progressing, if unsuccessful, to the use of more robust enforcement measures
· In each of the instances where a CPN had been issued there had been a programme of escalation. A community protection warning would first be issued, and the council would only issue a CPN if in consultation with partners it was felt to be a necessary and proportionate action
· The Council was in the process of adopting a new Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy, which would set out a clear structured approach to how the Council will work with other key stakeholders to manage and reduce anti-social behaviour, with an emphasis on early intervention
Paul Christopher ‘Kris’ Stone asked a supplementary question:
If someone was threatened with or had violence committed against them would they be able to use CCTV or video cameras to protect themselves? Mr Stone also asked for a copy of the council’s current Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy, whilst the new one was under development.
Councillor Mannion-Brunt provided a verbal response assuring Mr Stone that if the Council became aware of such instances then an immediate referral would be made to Derbyshire Police. Councillor Mannion-Brunt also committed to providing Mr Stone with a copy of the council’s current Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy.