Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from County Borough Councillor G Stacey.

To receive disclosures of personal interest from Members in accordance with the Code of Conduct

Note:

1.    Members are requested to identify the item number and subject matter that their interest relates to and signify the nature of the personal interest: and

2.    Where Members withdraw from a meeting as a consequence of the disclosure of a prejudicial interest they must notify the Chairman when they leave.

In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, the following declaration was made pertaining to the agenda:

Item 4 – Community Safety Partnership Review

County Borough Councillor S Bradwick – “As Chair of the Fire & Rescue Service I attend Public Service Board meetings referenced in the report.”

Information is provided in respect of relevant consultations for consideration by the Committee.

Members acknowledged the information provided through the consultation links in respect of open consultations, Welsh Government consultations and those matters being consulted upon by the local authority.

For Members to scrutinise the recommendations emerging from the review of Community Safety Partnership arrangements in the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Region and their implications for RCT.

The Director of Public Health, Protection & Community Services took Members through a power point presentation updating Members on the findings of the review of Community Safety Partnership (CSP) arrangements in the Cwm Taf Morgannwg region, and their implications for RCT.

Members were reminded of the statutory requirements for the Local Authority to have effective arrangements for CSP and provided with the details of the current set up. The Director of Public Health, Protection & Community Services outlined to Members the process that led to a review of the CSP arrangements for Cwm Taf Morgannwg and continued the presentation taking Members through the detail of the process and outcomes of the review.

One Member felt it was disappointing that the inclusion of South Wales Fire & Rescue was not highlighted in the report as being involved with the review process. The Director of Public Health, Protection & Community Services confirmed that South Wales Fire & Rescue are recognised as a member of the Community Safety Partnership for Cwm Taf Morgannwg and they were invited to contribute as a key stakeholder to the review and informed Members they regularly attend sub group meetings of the Cwm Taf CSP.

One Member discussed the recent government emergency alert and how it relates to residents on a local level. The Director of Public Health, Protection and Community Services acknowledged the signal was a Government scheme and whilst it can create alerts on a local level in relation to Counter Terrorism Members were informed it is a much broader initiative for Government.

Another Member felt a single CSP was a good way of organising resources but questioned how the partnership would ensure that the strategic working filters down to results and changes within the community. The Director of Public Health, Protection and Community Services highlighted to Members the recommendation set out in the report to establish a voice for citizens into the CSP on both a strategic level and community arrangements acknowledging this as one of the key recommendations resulting from the review. Discussion was held around the use of PACT meetings and how these can be utilised in the future.

A Member questioned how the CSP would plan to achieve the recommendation surrounding establishing a voice for citizens. The Director of Public Health, Protection and Community Services informed Members that the review has identified the issues and recommendations produced but no detailed plans are in place for these currently. Providing the Local Authority accept the reviews recommendations plans will move to the next phase for further detail. The Director acknowledged the element of a citizen’s voice will be key and will enable with not just providing information on issues but also being active in finding solutions.

A Member questioned whether the recommendations set out in the report would provide an effective solution. The Director shared with Members that there is currently a lot of regional working already happening. The Cwm Taf partnership has worked effectively for a number of years, but Members were informed of some governance challenges face  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

For Members to scrutinise the Council’s arrangements to prepare for and protect residents and communities from terrorism threats in RCT.

The Community Safety and Strategic Partnerships Manager provided Members with an update on the Council’s implementation of Counter Terrorism duties, and the Council’s preparedness in the context of new duties.

Members were taken through the detail in the report and appendices.

A Member questioned the inclusion of Secondary Schools having statutory duty as part of the Prevent Duty. The Community Safety and Strategic Partnerships Manager clarified for Members that Primary and Secondary Schools would have statutory duty under Prevent but when considering Martyn’s Law some schools will have a capacity of over 800 but all education establishments for pupils aged 16 and below would fall under the standard tier due to the security mechanisms already in place in schools.

Further discussion was held around the emphasis on 21^st Century Schools to link in with the Prevent Duty and the difference between other schools in the Authority. The Community Safety and Strategic Partnerships Manager acknowledged the challenge in implementing lockdowns in schools which are in older buildings. When training is provided, these areas are highlighted to Counter Terrorism policing, and funding can be applied for to close any gaps.

One Member asked what checks and balances are in place to ensure actions are proportionate and democratic. The Community Safety and Strategic Partnerships Manager informed Members it is key to get the communities confidence in Prevent and that the communication has not previously been as inclusive as it could be. Members were reminded of their role in the process as members of the community in ensuring a fair voice is heard.

A Member also asked a question regarding the business premises that fall under the standard tier and what support will be given to them to ensure they comply with the duties. The Community Safety and Strategic Partnerships Manager confirmed there will be engagement with businesses within the local authority and utilisation of the business improvement districts but acknowledged the need to ensure small businesses are included. The Community Safety and Strategic Partnerships Manager informed Members of the need to look at it as the borough as a whole community and how everyone can assist to ensure compliance overall.

Following consideration by the Committee it was RESOLVED to acknowledge the information contained within the report and the Prevent Duty action plan.

To reflect on the meeting and actions to be taken forward.

The Chair thanked Members for their contributions to lengthy discussions and welcomed further opportunities to engage with the Superintendent. The Chair also thanked Officers for their in-depth reports and insightful presentations.

To consider any items, which the Chairman, by reason of special circumstances, is of the opinion should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency.

None.