Issue - meetings

The Head of Housing and Health submitted a report on the shared service arrangements currently in place, hosted by Stevenage Borough Council (SBC) through which CCTV cameras in the District were monitored.

The Head of Housing and Health provided an update on the background of the CCTV partnership, what cameras were deployed, profits and losses incurred by the trading arm owned by the four partners and how this was   apportioned.  The Head of Housing and Health explained why the trading arm had been established and the potential for developing the service commercially.

Councillor J Jones praised the CCTV partnership and queried whether the service could be utilised by Buntingford Town Council.  The Head of Housing and Health explained the costs of running the service and confirmed that it could be extended.  He agreed to discuss the matter further with the Member or the Town Council.

An update was provided in relation to the governance review and the development of a business plan for growth to accommodate the demands for CCTV assistance.

In response to a query from Councillor N Symonds, the Head of Housing and Health explained that mobile cameras were moved to the best vantage points and power sources possible.   

Clarification was sought and provided by Ms Fletcher (SBC) regarding the profit and losses made by the CCTV Partnership’s trading arm and how these were distributed.  She explained that there had been a small surplus last year and that the partnership needed to look at the costs of the partnership and the most tax efficient methods for the company to work, particularly in relation to acquiring cameras and how and where the costs should be accounted whether  within the company or the Partnership itself.

The benefits of hard wired systems versus mobile arrangements were discussed.  It was noted that the governance review would be completed by the autumn 2018.  The Head of Housing and Health anticipated being able to report back to Members in September 2018.

It was moved by Councillor M Allen and seconded by Councillor B Deering that the recommendations as detailed, be supported.  After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the recommendations were declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED - that (A) the shared CCTV arrangements detailed in the report be noted and Members’ comments be taken on board by the Head of Housing and Health for consideration at an operational level;

(B)   the reviews of the operational and governance aspects of the shared CCTV service currently under way be acknowledged and Members’ comments be taken on board by the Head of Housing and Health; and

(C)   the Head of Housing and Health submit a report to Members to consider the outcome of the reviews.

At 8.49pm, the meeting was adjourned.  The meeting reconvened at 8.55pm.