Agenda and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 15 November 2016 as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 15 November 2016 be signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

To note any declarations of interest made by members in connection with an agenda item.  The nature of the interest must also be specified.

Members are asked to discuss any possible interests with Democratic Services prior to the meeting.

No declarations of interest were made by members in connection with an agenda item.

To note any issues raised during the public participation period.

No issues were raised during the public participation period.

To consider the Strategic Assessment and Partnership Plan for comments to the Strategy and Delivery Group. 

The Panel reviewed the strategic assessment prepared by the Safer New Forest Strategy and Delivery Group, setting out the Group’s assessment of performance against the actions identified in the 2016/17 Partnership Plan for the reduction of crime and disorder in the District Council’s area.   It also considered draft actions for inclusion in the 2017/18 Partnership Plan.

With regard to the strategic assessment, the Panel noted that, overall, there had been in increase of approximately 20% in recorded crime in the District.  This mirrored the figures for Hampshire, although there were variances by crime types.   However, there had been pleasing reductions in reports of anti-social behaviour, and in trafficking and possession of drugs.   Ch Inspector Mitchell explained that some of the increases were attributable to changes in the way the Police now recorded crimes. 

There had been a significant increase in reports of domestic abuse, but this could be seen as a positive result of the efforts to heighten awareness of the matter and to provide information on how to seek help.   The Panel agreed that this was a very important initiative and that efforts to heighten awareness of the issue should continue. 

The Panel was pleased to note the reduction in rural crime, incidents of arson, and in the numbers of road traffic collision injuries.      

In the light of reduced resources available to the Police, members discussed the Force’s ability to respond to reports or crime as quickly as residents would like, and to undertake educational and promotional work.   Ch Insp Mitchell explained how the Police were endeavouring to react to the changed circumstances, for example by introducing neighbourhood policing teams which, when not required within their own areas, could be redeployed at short notice.    It was, however, important for the public to understand that traditional policing methods, often represented by visible policing of the streets, was becoming increasingly difficult to provide.   There were many more unseen demands on Police resources which were not immediately apparent to local people, such as investigating fraud and cyber crime.    It was agreed that local police contact numbers would be provided to Councillors.    The Panel was also pleased to note that, overall, the New Forest remained a safe place in which to live and work. 

Members noted the active efforts now being made by the Partnership to engage with parish and town councils and to seek their input into future priorities for action.

Members heard from Cllr Clarke, the Council’s representative on the Hampshire Police and Crime Panel, on recent meetings of that Panel and engagement with Hampshire’s Police & Crime Commissioner.   He referred to the Commissioner’s Policing Plan for the coming year, the Commissioner’s proposals for restorative justice, and information relating to the Government’s PREVENT strategy.   Links to appropriate documents would be provided to all members of the Council.  

The Chairman thanked Ch Insp Mitchell for his attendance.

RESOLVED:

That the Panel’s views on the strategic assessment, as set out above, be conveyed to the Safer New Forest Strategy & Delivery Group, and that the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

To consider the findings of the Group for recommendation to the Cabinet and the Council. 

The Panel considered the recommendations of the Community Grants Task and Finish Group.

At the request of the Task & Finish Group, Michael Clowes, Chief Executive and Paul Kirkland, Trustee from Community First New Forest were in attendance and gave a further presentation on their grant application.  He reminded members that Community First New Forest was an “umbrella” organisation for the voluntary sector in the District.  It provided support through advice, training, assisting with Disclosure and Barring Service checks; as well as assisting groups with the recruitment and retention of volunteers.  Community First was also the representative body for the sector.  It did this by direct action on projects but also through joining with other agencies in subjects such as Children and Young People; Health; Crime and Older People.  In the first six months of 2016, Community First had assisted 174 groups by providing advice on funding, governance, safeguarding and training. This service enabled voluntary organisations to provide a quality service for the benefit of the residents of the New Forest.

Members asked a number of questions regarding how the grant amount requested would directly benefit residents of the New Forest and support the Council’s corporate priorities. The Panel was informed that the financial support provided by the Council enabled a ‘ripple effect’ whereby the support given to the voluntary organisations by Community First, helped vulnerable client groups in the community.

Members considered the grant applications and the recommendations of the Task & Finish Group as set out in Appendix 2 of the report. The Panel supported all the recommendations proposed, subject to the following: -

Community First New Forest – the Panel was of the view that the presentation did not adequately demonstrate how the funds requested would directly benefit residents of the New Forest. As such, members concluded that a grant of £40,000 should be awarded instead of the £80,000 requested.  However, in relation to a grant for Nightstop, Panel members expressed disappointment that funds had not been requested to support the Nightstop Plus project, which directly supported vulnerable homeless young adults in the New Forest. The Panel therefore recommended that, subject to a business case and matched funding, an additional £7,500 be granted to support this project.

Citizens’ Advice Bureau – the Panel concurred with the Task & Finish Group that, given the level of the funding provided, this organisation should not be considered under the grants process, but rather that a formal funding agreement should be set up.  A separate Task and Finish Group should be established to review the future relationship and funding support with this organisation, with a view to gradually reducing the level of funding.

RESOLVED:

            That the following recommendations be put forward to the Cabinet for approval: -

(i)               That the grant eligibility criteria set out in Appendix 1 be approved and published on the Council’s website;

(ii)              That the grant awards as set out in Appendix 2 be agreed for inclusion in the Medium Term Financial Plan, subject to amendment to:

(a)        Community  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34.

To consider the Panel’s future work programme, and make changes where necessary.

RESOLVED:

That the Panel’s work programme set out in Appendix 3 to these minutes be agreed.

An opportunity for the Portfolio Holders to provide an update to the Panel on any issues.

The Portfolio Holder for Health & Leisure and the Portfolio Holder for Housing & Communities would email their updates to the Panel after the meeting.