Verbal presentation by the Executive Member for Community Safety and Environment and the Head of Community Safety.
Minutes:
With the consent of Members, the Chairman agreed to consider this item before the Annual Leisure Contract Performance report in order to allow representatives from SLM more time to attend.
The Head of Community Safety provided a summary of the new Police and Crime Commissioner’s (PCC) role, what Mr Lloyd intended to achieve and the implications for East Herts Council. There was a duty on the part of the PCC to work with Community Safety Partnerships. The Head of Community Safety advised that the PCC intended to set its own agenda, having discretion over funding and highlighted the prospective financial impact this could have on the Council. It was noted that the Council’s Community Safety Partnership expected to receive approximately £13,000 for 2013/14 and in 2014/15 might not receive anything. Two years ago, the Council received a grant of £128,000.
The Head of Community Safety referred to the difficulties of competing with other Councils for funding given that East Herts had low levels of crime. A particular concern was the possibility that funding might not be granted for Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and of their uncertain future. Members acknowledged the valuable contribution which PCSOs made to the community and to the Police, in terms of local intelligence. It was noted that any loss of PCSOs would also have a direct impact on the Police and how they managed their resources.
Councillor C Woodward referred to the roles of the Neighbourhood Watch, the use of volunteers and the role of PCSOs which he believed were all at risk and the “fantastic” contribution they made to the community. He urged Officers to explore ways of finding extra funding. The Head of Community Safety advised Members that in order to seek funding for PCSOs, the Council would have to provide evidentiary support to the PCC. Councillor N Symonds advised that she would be happy to provide any help she could on this matter.
Councillor D Andrews advised Members that his Parish Council had sponsored a PCSO who was considered “indispensible”. Councillor C Woodward suggested that sponsorship of a PCSO be relayed to other Town and Parish Councils.
The Executive Member for Community Safety and Environment summarised the functions of the Police and Crime Panels, how the Police Crime Commissioner would be held to account and the role of the Panel. He explained the focus of the Police Plan stating that the PCC could not get involved with the day to day operational activities of the Police.
Councillor Mrs D Hollebon voiced her support for the contribution that PCSOs made. She asked that when the PCC is invited to attend a future meeting of Community Scrutiny Committee, that he be asked to explain the way forward in using the resources of volunteers and specials.
The Executive Member for Community Safety and Environment acknowledged the important role of specials and PCSOs in terms of local knowledge and useful local intelligence, adding that in terms of volunteers, businesses were very reluctant to release their employees, but that special officers could choose their own working hours themselves. He referred to the salary anomaly between PCSOs and Constables. The issue of the powers of arrest for PCSOs was considered.
It was noted that the PCC had been invited to attend the next meeting of Community Scrutiny Committee on 25 June 2013. Councillor Mrs D Hollebon suggested that Members be provided with regular updates from the Executive Member for Community Safety and Environment and the Head of Community Safety. This was supported.
Members expressed their concern on funding issues and the potential negative effect this would have on the future of PCSOs, given the low levels of crime in the District which, Members felt, had been achieved as a result of the Council’s proactive work on crime prevention.
RESOLVED – that (A) the presentation be received; and
(B) Members’ concerns regarding funding and the potential effect this would have on the future of PCSOs and crime prevention work be referred to the PCC.