Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

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 Code of Conduct, there were no declarations of interest made.

To approve as an accurate record the minutes of the virtual meeting of the Community Services Scrutiny Committee (Crime and Disorder) held on the 28^th February 2024.

It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 28^th February 2024 as an accurate reflection of the meeting

To undertake pre-scrutiny on the review of the Public Space Protection Order for Alcohol and Substance.

The Democratic Services Officer outlined the purpose of the pre-scrutiny for Members to provide comments and recommendations on the renewal of the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) relating to intoxicating substances for Rhondda Cynon Taf prior to consideration by Cabinet.

The Community Safety & Strategic Partnership Services Manager outlined the purpose of the report to consider the findings of the public consultation and the proposals to renew the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) relating to intoxicating substances for Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Members were informed that the proposed renewed PSPO would include the two exclusion zones in Aberdare and Pontypridd Town Centres as outlined at Appendices i and ii. It was also highlighted to Members that an effective PSPO provides an additional tool for the Community Safety Partners, including South Wales Police, to manage and address issues of alcohol and intoxicating substance related anti-social behaviour across Rhondda Cynon Taf, with particular controls in place for Pontypridd and Aberdare Town Centres.

The Community Safety & Strategic Partnership Services Manager took Members through the background of the report as outlined in section 4. Members were reminded that the Home Office’s statutory guidance states that PSPOs should be used responsibly and proportionately, only in response to issues that cause ASB and only where necessary to protect the public. Additionally for a Local Authority to make a PSPO it must be satisfied on reasonable grounds that two conditions are met: 

a) That activities carried on in a public place within the Authority’s area have had a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the locality, or; 

b) It is likely that activities will be carried on in a public place within the area and that they will have such an effect.

And that the effect, or likely effect, of the activities:

a)  Is, or is likely to be, of a persistent or continuing nature.

b)  Is, or is likely to be, such as to make the activities unreasonable, and; 

c)  Justifies the restrictions imposed by the notice. 

It was also highlighted to Members that PSPO’s can only be implemented for a maximum 3 year period and the Local Authority are required to undertake a consultation period in order to ascertain whether renewal of the order is warranted.

The Community Safety & Strategic Partnership Services Manager outlined some major developments since the 2021 PSPO was agreed. Members were reminded that feedback from 2021 consultation evidenced a need for RCT officers to be more proactive in the enforcement of the order and that enforcement was relatively low when reliance was placed solely on the Police whilst acknowledging that the Police are balancing priorities.

Members were referred to section 5.2 of the report which outlines the recruitment of Community Wardens in 2022 with particular emphasis for deployment in town centres and parks and the crucial role they play in keeping town centres safe.

The Community Safety & Strategic Partnership Services Manager also referred Members to section 5.3 which highlights how the Council has been innovative in utilising other legislation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

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

The Chair thanked the Officers for attending the meeting and for the detailed presenation of the report. The Chair also thanked Members for their involvement in the discussion and their questions and engagement throughout the meeting.

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.