Agenda item

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

The Committee received a briefing and answers to questions from Councillor Canver, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Safer Communities. 

The Committee noted the achievements highlighted by Councillor Canver including that 171 crack houses and 12 brothels had been closed, 126 families were on parenting programmes and vehicle crime had been reduced. 

The Committee questioned why, out of 13,2219 incidents of litter throwing and dumping, there had been only 119 prosecutions.  Robin Payne (Assistant Director of Enforcement) explained that a large number of incidents were not related to large-scale dumping or fly-tipping and it was important to ensure that any penalties were proportionate to the nature of the crime committed.  Anyone caught fly-tipping would be prosecuted but much of the reduction in dumping had been due to low-level activity such as the issuing of penalty notices.

During discussions about the new Street Enforcement Service arrangements the Committee questioned whether Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) officers were encouraged to report incidents of dumping or littering.  Councillor Canver informed Committee Members that SNT priorities were directed by the relevant Police Ward Panel and officers would not necessarily report every day low-level dumping unless there was a specific arrangement between the SNT manager and Council manager.  There were, however, joint protocols to deal with commercial dumping.  Mr Payne informed the Committee that the Police would not normally report low-level littering unless there was an opportunity to add value, however, they would never ignore an offence being committed and would always share information if it identified the source of a problem. 

The Committee agreed that a copy of the minute above would be sent to the Borough Commander, Dave Grant, to consider what the Police could do to help reduce litter and dumping in the borough.

Members of the public could call Enterprise to report dumps and fly-tipping. The number is 0208 885 7700.

The Committee requested that a short briefing about the new Street Enforcement Service arrangements be circulated to all Council Members.

The Committee asked how many of the 341 people found carrying knives were prosecuted and sentenced.  Jean Croot (Head of Community Safety) agreed to circulate a briefing note on the officer time and cost of getting this information from the courts.

The Committee asked how many of the 171 crack houses that had been closed down had been in Council-owned properties.  Officers agreed to provide this information. In response to the Committee’s concern about vulnerable residents becoming involved in surveillance Ms Croot explained that any residents or Council tenants involved were supported by the SNTs and/or victim support.                      

Committee members commented that the process of completing a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) was lengthy. The Chair asked for a briefing note to be circulated to Members explaining the CPO process.

The Committee asked how Transport Police were assisting local Police in dealing with anti-social behaviour from youths.  Councillor Canver explained that a Problem Solving Group had been established which brought Transport Police and parents (of the young people involved) together to discuss problems.  Local Police officers could request Dispersal Orders through the Problem Solving Group.

RESOLVED

That the briefing be noted.