Agenda item

5.45 pm – Community Safety Partnership Progress Report, Information on Alcohol related Hospital Admissions and Briefing Note on Illegal Encampments attached.

The Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing and the Health and Wellbeing Manager presented a report on the progress of the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) towards the delivery of the current Community Safety action plan (2017/18) and the CSP’s performance as recorded by the Safer Derbyshire Research and Information Unit and trends in the crime and disorder data.

The data showed that reported crime in Chesterfield had reduced by 3.2% in the 12 months to March, 2017 compared with the previous 12 months. The largest reductions had been in respect of criminal damage and drug offences, whilst the largest increases had been in sexual offences and other theft. There had been a slight reduction in calls for service relating to anti-social behaviour across the borough as a whole.

It was reported that the Police and Crime Commissioner had hosted a summit of all partners to address anti-social behaviour issues in the town centre, and that work was continuing at officer level through sub groups, including issues of enforcement and treatment and support.

It was noted that the Council was currently consulting on a proposed Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to provide enforcement powers to deal with a range of anti-social behaviours in the town centre. The proposal included the appointment of two enforcement officers.

Arising from Members’ questions and discussion the following points were raised:

·        The importance of enforcement of the proposed PSPO and of not just shifting the problem from one location to another;

·        Some previous initiatives involving police and local GPs to provide treatment for young people found drinking in public places had proved successful, but that these had not been continued;

·        There would be signage around the town centre and in parks to publicise the scope of the PSPO.

Copies of the Accident and Emergency Data Review and the Derbyshire County Council report on Alcohol specific hospital admissions amongst children under 18 were attached to the report. It was noted that further work was required between the hospitals, the Ambulance Service and the Police to improve data collection in respect of alcohol related hospital admissions and that a project was included in the Council Plan for next year to address alcohol issues, working with the Clinical Commissioning Group.

The Private Sector Housing Manager presented a briefing note on the Council’s response to illegal encampments reflecting the legislative restraints and legal obligations.

It was explained that in taking legal action to move travellers and reclaim Council land the Council had to be proportionate in its action, to have regard to the travellers’ human rights including health, housing and welfare needs, race and equality laws and to take a balanced view between the needs of the settled community and the travellers. This involved close working between various Council departments and, where necessary, the police.

The briefing note outlined the eviction process, it being noted that in most cases travellers moved on following the service of the Direction Order.

It was noted that there was not currently an authorised site for gypsies and travellers passing through the borough, but that government requirements identified the need for two sites to be established in the borough.

It was noted that there was no dedicated budget for clear up arrangements once travellers had left Council land, and Members asked if further information could be provided on costs incurred over recent years in dealing with illegal encampments and clear up arrangements.

The Chair thanked the Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, the Health and Wellbeing Manager and the Private Sector Housing Manager for their contribution to the meeting.

RESOLVED –

(1)         That the Community Safety Partnership progress report and the briefing note on illegal encampments be noted.

(2)         That a further progress report on the Community Safety Partnership’s Action Plan and Performance be provided to the Crime and Disorder Committee in March, 2018.

(3)         That further information be provided to Members of the Committee on costs incurred over recent years in dealing with illegal encampments and clear up arrangements.