Agenda and minutes

            At the start of the meeting the Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked them for their attendance.  The Chair reported that early indications had revealed that there had been no serious community safety/
anti-social behaviour incidents during the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.  The Chair requested an update report on this activity for the next meeting.

          The Minutes of the meeting held on 19 July 2022 were taken as read and signed as a correct record.

          It was reported that no questions had been received.

            The Annual Report of the Safer Policy and Performance Board was received which outlined the contributions made to the ongoing work of the Board. 

            Following the Community Payback Scheme presentation which Members received at the Board meeting in November 2021, it was noted that the Scheme would be re-commencing sometime in the new year. 

            RESOLVED:  That the report be noted. 

          The Board received a report regarding the creation of a new Community Safety and Protection Division that would bring together a number of disparate activities into one service area answerable to one Portfolio Holder.

          The new Division would be a one stop shop for all aspects of community safety, corporate safety and enforcement.  It would be managed by a Divisional Manager, who would also oversee the CCTV section, Enforcement Officers, a new Domestic Abuse Team and Emergency Planning. 

          The Division would fall under the remit of the Safer Halton portfolio and its creation would deliver a saving of £32,000.  Plans were on track for the Division to be up and running by 1 February 2023. 

          Members asked if there would be engagement with the community and voluntary sector to help drive forward community safety and it was confirmed that this would be part of the new Division’s remit.

          Further to discussions about community engagement, Councillor Wall asked if consideration could be given to the Board meetings being held at alternate venues in Widnes and Runcorn, in order to give more engagement opportunities for residents of both Widnes and Runcorn.  It was agreed that the suggestion would be explored.

          RESOLVED:  That the report be noted. 

          The Board considered a report about the ongoing work across the Borough to raise issues related to race equality and encourage a more tolerant society.

          Halton has played a key role in the work of the Steering Group and the initiatives which were part of the work programme included:

·       the development of a Black Business Hub;

·       the World Reimagined Art Project;

·       the Anthony Walker Foundation Hate Crime Project; and

·       a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Local Authority Staff Network. 

A key element of the work programme is a dedicated Race Equality Training Programme for all local authority staff across the Liverpool City Region. 

          Members noted the list of ongoing equality and diversity activities across the Halton.

          RESOLVED:  That the report be noted. 

          The Board received an update report on the amendments to the current Community Trigger Scheme, which was part of the Home Office Reform of anti-social behaviour powers which were launched in October 2014.  The guidance in respect of Community Trigger was updated in January 2021 and a formal press release with information on the Trigger launched.

          Members were advised that the process was managed by the Safer Halton Partnership and reviewed on a regular basis.  The report also outlined how requests/applications for the Community Trigger within Halton would be dealt with.  Training on the Community Trigger was also available for Councillors, if required.  

          It was noted that in the past 12 months, there had been 4 requests for a Community Trigger in Halton.

          Further update reports on the Scheme would be provided to the Board in due course.   

          RESOLVED: That the report be noted.  

          The Board received a presentation from Sergeant Anthony Sullivan (Northern Problem Solving Team) regarding the Cheshire Constabulary pilot scheme to raise awareness around cannabis growing within the private rented housing sector (Police Operation “Instinct”) and the problems being encountered locally across Halton and Warrington.

          Police Officers were working with landlords and letting agents across Halton in order to make them aware of the signs that would indicate that a cannabis factory might be being operated in one of their properties and what they should do if they suspect there was one.  The Police were also working closely with partners including Halton and Warrington Councils, the Chamber of Commerce and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The pilot scheme was aimed to raise the awareness among a group of people are best placed to help with the issue of drug factories which in return would lead to more detections. 

          Members were given the opportunity to ask questions and subsequently the Board thanked Sergeant Sullivan for his presentation and attendance.  The Board also requested a further update on this work in 12 months time.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.