Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence and notices of appointment of substitute Members (if any).

Apologies were received from Cllrs J M Downes and Mrs M E Squires who was substituted by Cllr D R Coren. The Vice Chairman was in the Chair.

Members to note the Hybrid Meetings protocol.

The Group had before it, and NOTED, the *Hybrid Meetings Protocol.

Note: *Protocol previously circulated and attached to the minutes

Councillors are reminded of the requirement to declare any interest, including the type of interest, and reason for that interest, either at this stage of the meeting or as soon as they become aware of that interest.

Members were reminded of the need to declare interests where appropriate.

Members to consider whether to approve the Minutes of the last meeting as a correct record.

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 27^th July 2021 were approved as a correct record and SIGNED by the Chairman.

To receive any questions relating to items on the Agenda from members of the public and replies thereto.

Note:   A maximum of 30 minutes is allowed for this item.

There were no members of the public present.

To receive any announcements that the Chairman may wish to make.

The Chairman had no announcements to make.

Group to consider the formation of a Grants Working Group for the Strategic Grants 2022-2023 to make recommendations on the level of funding and length of awards

The Group had before it a *report from the Strategic Manager Growth, Economy and Delivery presenting the process for a review of strategic grant funding for the financial year 2022-2023.

The Economic Development Team Leader outlined the contents of the report and explained that the framework for the strategic grants review had been postponed due to the pandemic.

The officer explained that the intention for the 2022-2023 awards would be to invite written submissions and presentations from strategic partners to be presented to a working group of the PDG so that recommendations could be made on priorities and funding levels.

He explained that in view of the continuing pressure on local government finances, which was likely to require an 8-10% reduction in funding the PDG was recommended to seek clarification from the Cabinet on funding levels for strategic grants.

Consideration was given to:

·         Members views that funding to strategic partners should not be reduced

·         How new organisations could apply for funding as a strategic partner

It was therefore RESOLVED that:

·         A working group be formed to look at the Council’s funding priorities for the period 2022-2023 – The membership of the working group was agreed as Cllrs W Burke, L J Cruwys, B Holdman and Mrs M E Squires

·         The PDG ask the Cabinet to set the level of strategic grants funding as part of the budget setting process

(Proposed by the Chairman)

Reason for the decision: To agree the process for a review of the strategic grant funding for the financial year 2022-2023

Note: *report previously circulated and attached to the minutes

Group to receive the draft DCC Strategy for Domestic Abuse Support in Safe Accommodation attached in Annex 1 and provide any consultation responses it sees fit through the DCC consultation exercise.

The Group had before it, and NOTED, the *Devon County Council (DCC) Strategy for Domestic Abuse in Safe Accommodation presented by the Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing.

The Cabinet Member explained that there was a need for DCC to formally consult on the Strategy and that they had a legal duty to finalise and publish the Strategy by the end of October 2021. He confirmed that the deadline for comments on the Strategy by Members was required by Friday 24^th September.

He explained that there had been a 110% increase in case referrals during the pandemic and that services were seeing increased trauma and the number of children affected by domestic violence.

In response to questions asked, the Cabinet Member explained that the Strategy was applicable to all genders and all ages of anyone affected by domestic abuse.

It was AGREED that if any Members wanted to make any comments on the Strategy before the deadline of 24^th September 2021 they would be forwarded to the Committee Clerk who would collate the responses and ensure that these were submitted.

Note: *Strategy previously circulated and attached to the minutes

Members to receive a proposal form for Anti Social Behaviour to be added to the work plan

The Group had before it a *proposal form submitted by Cllr S Pugh detailing a proposal that the Community PDG form a working group to investigate the Council’s response to anti-social behaviour in the District.

The Scrutiny Officer explained that the proposal had also been discussed at a recent Programming Panel and that the Chairman of the Homes PDG had requested that their Members also be involved and offered the opportunity to join the working group. She explained that the Scrutiny Committee would be investigating community policing with police representatives.

Cllr Pugh outlined his proposal and stated that anti-social behaviour was not just an issue in Mid Devon but was wide reaching. He wanted to investigate if the Council’s current policies were targeted and effective and the enforcement of these policies.

He explained that although the Council’s website signposted people to the various organisations and departments who deal with anti-social behaviour it was not clear where people should report instances.

He wanted to explore projects which linked into local primary schools to educate young people of the effect of anti-social behaviour.

Consideration was given to

·         Members views that the current CCTV offering in Tiverton was not felt to be adequate

·         The re-opening of Tiverton Police station in the autumn

It was therefore RESOLVED that Anti-Social Behaviour was added to the work programme and:

·         A working group be formed which consisted of Cllrs W Burke, B Holdman, S Pugh and Mrs M E Squires

·         Members of the Homes PDG would be invited to join the working group

(Proposed by Cllr S Pugh and seconded by Cllr W Burke)

Reason for the decision: Anti-social behaviour was a major issue nationally and a key concern for residents.

Note: *proposal form previously circulated and attached to the minutes

To receive the current work plan for the Community PDG.

Members to agree and discuss additional items that they would like added to the work plan.

The Group had before it, and NOTED, the *Workplan which outlined the work of the PDG for the remainder of the municipal year.

The following items were raised as possible inclusion on the Workplan and it was AGREED that a proposal form would be completed and presented to the PDG at the next meeting:

·         Vulnerability Protocol – Cllr B Holdman

The Scrutiny Officer informed the Group that the Scrutiny Committee were having representatives from Devon County Council present at their November meeting to give an update on Broadband within the District and that Members could either attend the meeting or submit written questions in advance.

Note: *Workplan previously circulated and attached to the minutes