Issue - meetings

Briefing and answers to questions from Councillor Nilgun Canver, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Safer Communities

Councillor Nilgun Canver, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Safer Communities, provided to the committee answers to questions submitted in advance by Members and a briefing on the key issues contained within her portfolio.  Members thanked her for her comprehensive briefing and the good work being carried out in her portfolio.

The Cabinet Member stated that she was proud of the general reduction in crime figures during her tenure, with targets frequently being met and cutting-edge work on anti-social behaviour being carried out by the Council’s ASBAT team.  She informed the committees on initiatives to reduce the fear of crime, engaging with the public to pulicise the reduction in crime to increase a feeling of safety.  

The Cabinet Member also stated that the Youth Offending Service was working with victims as well as young offenders, although it was a priority for all agencies to work more closely with victims of crime.  Fear of crime was attempting to be decreased through visits by Safer Neighbourhoods Teams to Youth Centres and Schools, and work with young people carried out by the Peace Alliance.

Members enquired about the legal drug, Khat, the usage of which was prevalent within the Somali community.  Members of the committee were informed that the government had been lobbied with regards to its proscription.

In response the question 70% of Planning Enforcement cases were unsuccessful, Officers explained that large numbers of ‘phase 1’ cases, those being over 4 years old, were closed at the start of the project with a number of ‘phase 2’ (those less than 4 years old) also being closed.  The percentage rate was however much better for ‘phase three’ cases, those that being dealt with as they arose rather than as part of a backlog.

In response to concern over safety on buses, Members were informed that a Safer Transport Team had been launched two months ago, and that input on experience of bus usage on the borough would be welcomed by the Cabinet Member.

Members were informed that bicycles for wardens were not currently being utilised as much as they could, but this was expected to improve when the warden headquarters moved to a new location.

RESOLVED:

1. That Officers investigate the possibility of surveying ward Councillors on their experience of bus usage in the borough.

2. That the answers and briefing be noted.