Agenda and minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 12 November 2021 were approved as a true and accurate record.

The Committee was provided with an update on the Local Authorities public space Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) provision.

Members were informed that CCTV was a non-statutory service, however the Council was continuing to invest due to the high importance of community safety across Neath Port Talbot. It was also noted that the Council was developing new operating models with various Town Councils, in which they fund additional CCTV cameras where needed in the area; this allows the Council to scale the CCTV operation in some locations across the County Borough.

Officers were asked if there was a procedure in place for identifying new camera locations; the Council needed to consider a fair and logical way of dealing with this matter going forward, as there will potentially be additional requirements arising in the future. In terms of the new and revised locations of the camera, as part of the current replacement programme, it was stated that the work around this had been completed in line with intelligence from Police colleagues and other partners; the number of cameras weren’t increasing significantly, as they were predominantly being installed to replace what was previously in situ. Officers provided examples of reasons why certain cameras had been replaced, and also explained that Police colleagues had highlighted particular areas which would benefit from having CCTV due to anti-social behaviour. It was added that Officers had looked into moving some cameras to different locations in order for better coverage and balance.

Further to these replacements, it was mentioned the Team had taken the opportunity to refresh the CCTV estate; for example repainting the columns to promote their presence and visibility. Officers confirmed that they would consider the comments made regarding the need for a policy/procedure to determine future positioning of new cameras.

Reference was made to the business case relating to 24/7 monitoring; Members asked for a position update and queried when they would be receiving a report on this matter. Officers confirmed that it had been drafted and was currently with various officials for comment; the aim was to bring a report to Members in the New Year for discussions to start taking place around this. The Committee was informed that one of the issues with moving to a 24/7 operation was that staffing needed to be increased to cover the additional hours, which would require extra costs; Officers explained that the replacement scheme was generating some efficiencies and cost savings, which could be used to try and offset the costs of increasing to 24/7 monitoring.

Members stated that further discussions needed to take place to consider various factors, particularly around resources, funding and how the Council progresses with CCTV. The Deputy Leader and Officers confirmed that they would take on board the Committees comments and concerns.

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

Members received the Quarter 2 Performance Management Data, for the period 1st April 2021 to 30th September 2021, for Education, Leisure and Lifelong Learning Directorate relating to Community Safety and Public Protection.

Discussions took place regarding the Performance Indicators that were rated ‘Red’ on the traffic light system detailed in the circulated repot; the Committee asked if there was a plan to try and improve this to an ‘Amber’ or ‘Green’ rating. Members also raised concerns in regards to the impact on resource and capacity if the demand was to continue to increase. Officers highlighted that the RAG traffic light system was not always reflective of the performance, instead it was reflective of the demand on the service. It was explained that the Performance Indicator detailing the percentage of incidents of domestic abuse where people were repeat victims was rated ‘Red’ on the traffic light system,

 as the Teams saw more repeat victims come through the service than the number that they first anticipated. It was noted that this could be seen as positive as individuals were accessing the service to obtain the help that they needed; there were various complex needs of individuals, and the more that Officers encouraged people to use the service, the more that will come looking for support. Members were informed that Officers were hoping to carry out a piece of work which will look at some repeat cases in more detail, in order to check that the Team have the right understanding and knowledge of the reasons why they were repeat referrals. It was highlighted that the IDVA’s (Independent Domestic Violence Advisor) within Community Safety, saw a high number of victims come through the service that had previously received support, known as ‘repeat victims’. It was noted that this could be seen as positive, as individuals were accessing the service to obtain the help that they need; some feel unable to fully engage with support for domestic abuse due to the many complexities and the dynamics involved in an abusive relationship. Officers stated that the Community Safety Team and partners, continue to encourage victims to come forward and receive help, and repeat referrals into the service were always welcomed. However, it was mentioned that there was always various complex needs of individuals that could sometimes make the cycle even harder to break. Members were informed that Officers hoped to carry out a piece of work which will look at some repeat cases in more detail, in order to check that the Team fully understand the reasons for repeat presentations to the service; this work does depend on increased demand that may result from changes to Covid-19 restrictions and the subsequent impact this has on incidences of domestic abuse.

In regards to the Performance Indicators that were relating to referrals into the service, it was noted that the Council will continuously publicise the service and the support that was available; therefore, these figures were always likely to be rated ‘Red’ on the traffic light system.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

The Community Safety and Public Protection Scrutiny Sub Committee Forward Work Programme was noted.

Members highlighted that if there were any further updates regarding CCTV, before the end of the Civic Year, they would appreciate if a report could be brought to the meeting scheduled for March 2022.