Agenda and minutes

            The Minutes of the meeting held on 10^th September 2019 were taken as read and signed as a correct record.

            It was reported that no questions had been received

            The minutes from the previous Safer Halton Partnership (SHP) meeting held on 1^st May 2019 and 17^th July 2019, were presented to the Board for information. Members asked if draft SHP minutes could be submitted to the Board as soon as they were available. It was agreed that the request would be submitted to the Chair of the SHP.

            This report was adjourned to a future meeting.

            The Board received a presentation from Paul Elms, Head of Prevention at the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLLA) to provide a background to their work. The GLAA worked in partnership to protect vulnerable and exploited workers. Through the intelligence they received from their inspections, the public, industry and other government departments they investigate reports of worker exploitation and illegal labour provision as well as offences under the National Minimum Wage and Employment Agencies Acts. They investigate all aspects of labour exploitation in England and Wales but also work with partner organisations such as they police, the National Crime Agency and other government law enforcement agencies to target, dismantle and disrupt serious and organised crime across the UK.

            Arising from the discussion, Members agreed that an appropriate representation be made to Government that there should be an accreditation scheme for businesses where they had been previous incidents of modern day slavery.

            RESOLVED: That

1.    the presentation be noted; and

2.    an appropriate representation be made to Government that there should be an accreditation scheme for businesses where they had been previous incidents of modern day slavery.

            The Board received a presentation from Dawn Taylor, a representative from the Cheshire and Warrington Traveller Team (CWTT) regarding the work they carried out in the borough. The CWTT was hosted by Cheshire West and Chester Council and was made up of Officers from Cheshire West and Chester Council and Cheshire Police. The presentation provided information on the number of encampments in Cheshire this year, Police powers regarding directing travellers to a transit site, mapping frequent flyers and the communication strategy.

            Halton had a full time Gypsy and Traveller Liaison Officer who was responsible for the day to day management of the Gypsy and Traveller Service including sites, unauthorised encampments, general enquiries and complaints.

            RESOLVED: That the presentation be noted.

            The Board received a presentation from Lisa Gill on behalf of Remedi on the work that the organisation was doing in partnership with the Local Authority, Police and other local organisations to make Halton safer, in particular the Got Your Back Project. The Board was advised that Remedi were a charity that provided a restorative justice and mediation service across Cheshire. Ms Gill outlined to the Board an overview of Remedi and shared examples of case studies.

            RESOLVED: That the report and presentation be noted.