Agenda and minutes

The Chair announced that Topic group visits to the Cheshire Custody Suite were planned on 30^th November and 1^st December 2016.The Community Safety Manager would email Members with details so that they could respond with their interest.

RESOLVED: That the announcements be noted.

            The Minutes of the meeting held on 13^th September 2016 were taken as read and signed as a correct record.

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

            The Board received an update report on Halton’s current provision of public space CCTV, mobile camera system, public address function and an update of the Commissioner of Surveillance Code of Practice.  The public space CCTV was based in the Council’s CCTV suite and Officers currently provided a 24 hour, 7 days per week service, monitoring the Council’s CCTV cameras. They were also in direct contact with Cheshire Constabulary by monitoring the police airwaves radio system. The system could provide live images to the police central control room as well as recordings and statements in the form of evidence packs. They were also responsible for monitoring the town link (retailers) two-way radio system and the Night net system (night time economy).

            Arising from the discussion, the Board agreed that Officers should investigate the opportunity of purchasing an additional Striker camera and explore the possibility of how this may be funded.

            RESOLVED: That

1.    the report be noted; and

2.    Officers investigate the opportunity of purchasing an additional Striker camera and explore the possibility of how this may be funded.

            The Board considered a report from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service presenting the Annual Report for Halton 2016 and an update on Integrated Risk Management Plan for 2017-18 (IRMP). Consultation on the draft IRMP for 2017/18 was underway and would continue until the 3^rd January 2017. During this time the Service would consult with the public, key partners and stakeholders and members of staff.

            Proposals within the second emergency response review and wider draft plan included:-

·         Cheshire Fire Authority’s proposal to increase its share of Council Tax by 1.99% in 2017/18;

·         To review the duty systems at Birchwood, Macclesfield, Penketh and Wilmslow fire stations;

·         Move from three hydraulic platforms to two across the Service;

·         Introduction of an additional fire engine at Crewe and Ellesmere Port fire stations, staffed during weekdays;

·         Rolling out the pilot programme to respond to cardiac arrests alongside North West Ambulance Service;

·         Delivering “Safe and Well” visits to 40,000 households to provide health information as well as fire safety advice;

·         A new policy to reduce the number of attendances to false alarms caused by automatic fire alarm systems; and

·         Promoting the need to install sprinkler systems in new schools.

            On behalf of Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, Lynsey McVay attended the meeting and outlined her role, the Service performance in Halton during the past three years, type of incidents attended and areas the Service would focus on for 2016/17.

            Arising from the discussion, the Board requested additional information on the number of Fire Service inspections at the East Lane buildings in Runcorn.

            RESOLVED: That the Board

1.    note the range of fire safety and prevention programmes aimed at keeping Halton safe;

2.    record our continuing appreciation for the work of Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service; and

3.    receive the Annual Report 2016.

            The Board received a presentation from Mr Thompson, Trading Standards Officer, which identified the issues related to counterfeit/illicit goods and illustrated the work of trading standards when dealing with criminality across Halton. The report highlighted:-

·         Illicit (smuggled) goods i.e. tobacco imported into the UK illegally and thereby breaching taxation legislation;

·         Legislative Duty to Enforce;

·         What were counterfeit and illicit goods;

·         Information on the Victims of counterfeit/illicit goods;

·         The types of counterfeiters involved, essentially a three tier system in place which included, local criminals, regional criminals and serious organised crime groups (UK/international); and

·         The role of Halton Trading Standards and recent cases in the Halton area.

            On behalf of the Board, the Chair, thanked Mr Thompson for his informative presentation and the success the Team had achieved in 2016.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

            The Board considered a report which provided details on the White Ribbon Campaign and outlined the process for the Council to seek corporate status for the Borough. The principles of the award were that local authorities should express a commitment to involving men in Anti-
Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and produce a preliminary action plan on how this commitment would be achieved. The action plan should be aimed at reducing incidents of violence against women such as discrimination, harassment or victimisation and fostering good community relations. It should also have a specific White Ribbon emphasis of increasing male participation in anti-VAW events and strategies as well as raising awareness and the profiles of these issues amongst men.

            It was reported that the White Ribbon Campaign Team would work with the Authority on the development of an action plan, providing feedback and suggestions as necessary. It was proposed that the Community Safety Manager, supported by the local Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator, would be appointed to act as a liaison point with the White Ribbon Campaign and to oversee its implementation.

            RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

            The Board received an update on activities and initiatives delivered to reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour and unauthorised fires on mischief night and in the period up to bonfire night in 2016. The Board noted that the bonfire removal initiative was carried out by a local contractor and they responded to 11 requests from the Council and Police Officers. It was anticipated that due to Bonfire night falling on a weekend, and with good weather conditions, there would be a high level of calls/incidents; however this was not the case.

            On behalf of the Board, the Chair, congratulated all those involved in Operation Treacle for their significant work and the success they had achieved in 2016.

            RESOLVED: That the presentation be received.