The Executive Lead for Safer Communities and Transport gave a brief presentation to the Board. The Board were advised that Community Safety would be able to make the budget savings proposed and that most of the savings identified would be delivered as a result of a restructure within the department. The Board were advised that if staffing levels had to be reduced further then services would have to be cut.

The Board questioned the reduction to the out of hours noise service, and questioned whether this service should be increased not reduced. The Board were advised that there had only been 19 incidents reported in the last year and that some of these have been reports of repeat offenders. The Board were advised that the Council is already collecting evidence regarding issues we have been made aware of, and that the out of hours service will be delivered in a different way in the future.

The Board questioned where members of the public would go to report noise nuisance if the out of hours service is cut. The Board were advised that if the noise was intermittent then people would be able to use the normal office number, if it is a persistent nuisance then it would be classed as anti social behaviour and become a police matter.

The Board questioned how much support was provided to the Community Partnerships. The Board were advised that currently there is only 1FTE supporting Community Partnerships, but that there are currently 5 vacant posts. The Board were advised that the Community Partnership budget has seen no change on last year.

The Board questioned how much funding was currently provided to the CVA and other voluntary sector organisations and requested a breakdown in these costs. The Board were advised that a meeting will shortly be taking place with the CVA to discuss the ongoing agreement with them.

The Board questioned how we deal with landlords in the private sector where properties encounter anti social behaviour issues. The Board were advised that all homes are inspected on a risk basis and that there are new policies in place for these issues.

The Board heard a 3 minute presentation from a member of the public – Gordon Jennings. 

Resolved:

1)    That reconsideration be given to the proposed saving for the out of hours emergency noise service.

2)    That a review of grants to community, voluntary sector organisations and all other bodies to be undertaken.

3)    The mayor reconsider the cuts to the out of hours emergency noise service be dropped and that a further sum be provided for a fit for purpose service with improved advertising and a more strategic approach.

To discuss the Revenue Budget 2012/13 Provisional Spending Targets for Community Safety