Issue - meetings

Following consideration of a report from the Policy and Research Officer the Community Policy Development Group has made the following recommendations:

1.      That Members of the ASB working group are consulted on the review of the Housing ASB policy (due to take place this year, and to be incorporated into Neighbourhood and Community Standard Policy) through an informal, in-depth discussion with the Corporate Manager for Public Health, Regulation and Housing and other officers.

2.    That information around ASB and how to report it is clearly communicated to Members and the public.

3.    That the Mid Devon Senior Inspector is requested to provide Members with a monthly update on policing in the District and consideration is given to other ways to engage with members.

4.    That the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) review the Community Trigger process.

The Cabinet had before it, a report from the Policy and Research Officer which outlined the review undertaken by the Community PDG Working Group on anti-social behaviour (ASB).

The Officer in brief raised the points highlighted below:

·         This was a report from the Community PDG working group on anti-social behaviour. The working group looked to ensure that the Council had a targeted and effective response to ASB in the District.

·         The report found that the Council had comprehensive and effective policies on ASB, and that officers were adept at tackling and resolving issues.

·         The Mid Devon Senior Inspector, Insp Leitch had agreed to provide monthly newsletters, and a Member Briefing was due to take place on 29 September 2022.

The Leader thanked the Officer for their presentation and opened the floor to questions which were as followed:

·         The Leader commended the good work that had been carried out by the working group of the Community PDG. In addition, he raised the importance of being kept up to date and that these monthly updates and bi-annual briefings be maintained.

·         A Cabinet Member asked if the Senior Inspector had already agreed to that a monthly newsletter be provided to Members and how had the Police responded to this report and its recommendations. To which the officer explained that the Senior Inspector was happy to provide these monthly updates as well as all Member briefings every 6 months.

RESOLVED: That

1.    That Members of the ASB working group would be consulted on the review of the Housing ASB policy (due to take place this year, and to be incorporated into Neighbourhood and Community Standard Policy) through an informal, in-depth discussion with the Corporate Manager for Public Health, Regulation and Housing and other officers.

2.    Information around ASB and how to report it would be clearly communicated to Members and the public.

3.    The Mid Devon Senior Inspector would be requested to provide Members with a monthly update on policing in the District and consideration be given to other ways to engage with members.

4.    The Community Safety Partnership (CSP) review the Community Trigger process.

(Proposed by Cllr C Slade and seconded by Cllr D Knowles)

Reason for decision: A key priority for the Council was to promote sustainable and prosperous communities. The impact of ASB could cause distress and suffering for victims, and was a key concern for Mid Devon residents.