Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence from committee members.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Jose Hales.

There were no declarations of interest.

To authorise the Chairman to sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 27 March 2015 as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 27 March 2015 were agreed as a correct record.

No public questions had been received.

Representatives from the Cambridgeshire Constabulary and the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office will be in attendance for this discussion item. A briefing note on the South Cambridgeshire Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) is attached for information along with the CDRP Community Safety Plan for 2015/16.

The Chairman welcomed Chief Superintendent Dan Vajzovic and Chief Inspector James Sutherland from the Cambridgeshire Constabulary to the meeting. Charles Kitchen, Director of Public Engagement and Communications, and Rebecca Avery, Outreach Worker from the Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office were also welcomed to the meeting.

The perception of crime amongst South Cambridgeshire residents was discussed:

·         Whilst it was recognised that South Cambridgeshire was a very safe place, the Constabulary felt that awareness of crime and awareness of residents in protecting themselves and their property in some South Cambridgeshire villages, was too low. Operation Oaklands, which had focussed on tackling home and shed burglaries, continued to find that many residents were leaving their homes, vehicles and sheds unlocked.

·         It was suggested that a cyber security message should be included in Operation Oaklands. The Chief Superintendent agreed to feed this back.

·         Members were informed that the issues of most concern raised by residents at Police Neighbourhood Panels were parking, speeding and the 101 service and it was felt this reflected a lack of awareness amongst residents of the types of crime of which they were more likely to be the victim.

·         Members were informed that South Cambridgeshire was safe and getting safer, with crime having fallen by just under 2% in the last year. Dwelling burglary had fallen by just under 5%.

Members were informed that it was likely that human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable people and immigrants was happening in the district:

·         Work was being undertaken to raise awareness of these crimes so that local people would be more likely to recognise if this was happening in their areas and report suspected activity.

·         An anti-slavery summit would be taking place in Cambourne in October 2015, in order to raise awareness of human trafficking. This would be hosted by the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office in partnership with the Cambridgeshire Constabulary. Information regarding this would be circulated in due course and members were asked to raise awareness of this event through their parishes and any other networks. If this event was successful, a similar event could be held regarding child protection.

·         Members were informed that there was a risk regarding houses of multiple occupancy and human trafficking, which Operation Puffin had been addressing. The operation had been supported by South Cambridgeshire District Council with Council Enforcement Officers involved in joint raids on properties.

·         Members were informed that there were no brothels in South Cambridgeshire, however the potential for ‘pop-up’ brothels was a concern.

·         The Director of Health and Environmental Services informed Members that houses of multiple occupancy was a service priority, with housing standards being checked and information being shared with the Police.

Reporting of crime was discussed:

·         Members were informed that not all crime was reported but that where crime was reported, the Cambridgeshire Constabulary was adhering 100% to crime recording standards and the Chief Superintendent was satisfied that there was an ethical crime recording culture in Cambridgeshire.

Members were informed that speeding was taken seriously  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To consider update reports from Members appointed to represent the Council on outside bodies.

The committee NOTED the update reports that had been received from members appointed to represent the Council on outside bodies.

Councillor Sue Ellington informed members that United Care Partnerships had taken over care of the elderly in the community. The service had already avoided a number of elderly admissions to A&E.

The Chairman thanked Councillors Ellington, Hunt and Bridget Smith for their updates.

To consider the Partnerships Review Committee’s work programme for 2015/16. The Council’s Corporate Forward Plan is attached for information.

The committee agreed it would look at bus services at its next meeting. Representatives from Stagecoach and the County Council would be invited to attend the meeting.

The new Cambridgeshire MPs would also be invited to a future meeting.

Proposed meeting dates for the 2015/16 are:

·         Thursday 27 August 2015 at 2pm

·         Thursday 19 November 2015 at 2pm

·         Thursday 21 January 2015 at 2pm

·         Thursday 21 April 2015 at 2pm

The August 2015 meeting date would be changed. A date for the next meeting to be held in September would be agreed outside the meeting.