Agenda and minutes

            The Minutes of the meeting held on 16 June 2015 were taken as read and signed as a correct record.

The Board was advised that no public questions had been received.

The minutes from the last Safer Halton Partnership (SHP) meeting held on 18 May 2015 were presented to the Board for information.

RESOLVED: That

(1)  The minutes be noted; and

(2)  A representative from Immigration Enforcement be requested to attend a future meeting to give a presentation on the work being undertaken in the Borough.

          The Board received a presentation on the roles and responsibilities of the Manchester Port Health Authority and the work it carried out in the Halton area.

          The presentation outlined the origins of Port Health and the changes brought about by the International Health Regulations 2005 and the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act.

          The Board was also advised of the challenges faced in the future.

          RESOLVED: That

(1)  The Manchester Port Health Authority be thanked for the informative presentation to the Board;

(2)  The significant role the Authority provides to public health at the Port of Runcorn be noted; and

(3)  The Council continue to work closely with the Authority and officers be requested to explore opportunities for sharing initiatives with them on public health.

            The Board received a presentation giving an overview of the regional approach by NHS England – Public Health in relation to New Psychoactive Substances (NPS).

            Paul Duffy, Health Improvement Manager (Alcohol and Drugs) outlined the terminology given to these substances, prevalence, what was known locally and the various types.  He advised that the substances carried all the risks associated with traditional equivalents but outlined some key points.

            He went on to highlight who was at risk of using these substances, recent controls and the introduction of the NPS Bill.

            RESOLVED: That

(1)  The presentation be noted; and

(2)  Paul Duffy be thanked for his informative presentation.

          The Board received an update on progress of the NPC Topic Group and was advised that a report outlining the conclusion of the discussions and recommendations would be submitted to the next meeting.

          RESOLVED: That the report be awaited.

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Communities, which presented the progress of key performance indicators, milestones and targets relating to Safer PPB in Quarter 1 of 2015-16.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

          The Board received a report of the Strategic Director, Communities, giving an update on the Police and Crime Commissioners Annual Report for 2014/15.

          The Board was advised that the Police and Crime Commissioner was required to produce an annual report showcasing the work that had been undertaken to reflect his annual crime and policing plan.

          Inspector Gareth Woods outlined the new model of policing for Cheshire and how this was working in Halton.

          RESOLVED: That

(1)  Inspector Woods be thanked for his presentation on the Annual Report; and

(2)  The new model of policing for Cheshire which has resulted in two new local policing units for Halton be welcomed.

          The Board received a report of the Director of Public Health, giving an update on the performance of the Food Safety and Standards Team.

          The report examined how well the food businesses in Halton were performing in relation to the National Food Hygiene Rating scheme and new and developing issues with regard to Food Safety and Standards.

          The Board was advised that monies had been made available to encourage the display of the Food Hygiene Rating in food premises.

          It was reported that since 2010 there had been a general trend in Government policy towards less regulation and a reduction in the perceived burdens on businesses. However, as a result of some significant food incidents in recent years Government support for Food Safety and Standards enforcement remained strong.

          The Authority was still required by the Food Standards Agency to submit an annual service plan which included a detailed risk based inspection programme for all the Borough’s food premises.

          RESOLVED: That

(1)  The report be noted; and

(2)  The Members of Parliament for Halton be requested to write to the Secretary of State asking for the display of the Food Hygiene Rating scheme to be mandatory.