Agenda and minutes

Members resolved to act as the Crime and Disorder Scrutiny Committee.

Members noted the minutes from the previous meeting.

Members noted the scrutiny forward programme for 2017/18.

Inspector Declan Cahill from South Wales Police gave a presentation to Members on Operation Grey Denver, which highlighted the partnership work that had been undertaken to tackle anti-social behaviour within the county borough. Inspector Cahill reported that between July and September 18 individuals had been identified in Neath town centre as engaging in anti-social behaviour, and 12 in Port Talbot town centre. Where relevant, information regarding these individuals were shared with Housing Options and the Welsh Centre for Action on Dependency and Addiction (WCADA) to offer support.  

Inspector Cahill listed the various locations where anti-social behaviour had frequently occurred. The areas that were identified were Victoria Gardens and Angel Square in Neath where instances of substance misuse had taken place, the Neath and Port Talbot town centre areas for begging, and the train stations in Neath and Port Talbot for begging and substance misuse incidents. Inspector Cahill informed Members of the preventative steps taken when attempting to tackle anti-social behaviour, such as intelligence and information sharing with 40 local businesses, effective CCTV analysis, and the presence of police officers, police community support officers and town rangers in various locations. Inspector Cahill added that maintaining the current level of police presence in the town centres was becoming challenging due to financial constraints.    

Inspector Cahill informed Members that there had been reports of individuals begging in the town centres that were not considered destitute, and as a result could be committing fraudulent acts. Inspector Cahill continued by stating that it was difficult to prove if somebody was begging as it required a robust evidence base. Inspector Cahill added that the police would be unable to charge anybody who did not directly ask for money e.g. individuals sitting silently with receptacles for citizens to place money into. Members enquired whether a beggar could be charged if they were proven to be fraudulent and were witnessed by police requesting money from the public. Inspector Cahill confirmed that in this case they could be charged.

Inspector Cahill informed Members of the work that had been undertaken during Neath September Fair to address underage drinking. Inspector Cahill stated that police officers visited off licences in the town to ensure that they complied with licensing laws and found that there were no issues to report. Inspector Cahill informed the committee that despite numerous comments regarding anti-social behaviour on social media sites during Neath September Fair, the police only received one reported incident. Inspector Cahill added that the police were unable to act on comments made on social media and instead needed citizens to report incidents directly to the police. Inspector Cahill informed Members that South Wales Police were intending to purchase software in the near future that would allow citizens to report incidents via a mobile phone application. Details of any incidents reported via this channel would then be received directly by police officers on patrol.

Inspector Cahill acknowledged that the 101 service for reporting crime had missed targets for answering calls, but 94.3% of those who  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4a

Officers updated Members on the new legal duties and responsibilities placed on the local authority to prevent people from being drawn into extremist activities following the introduction of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015. Officers informed Members of the counter terrorism strategy CONTEST, which had four elements; pursue, prevent, protect and prepare. Officers informed Members of the Council’s participation on the Western Bay CONTEST Board which aimed to prevent extremism threats. Officers reported that 800 members of staff and councillors from the current and previous administration had attended the Workshop Raising Awareness of Prevent (WRAP) training which highlighted potential signs to look out for if somebody was being drawn into extremist activity. Officers added that there were eight accredited trainers in place to deliver the WRAP training, and the next phase of the training would be carried out in the schools.

Officers presented the Prevent action plan to Members which outlined the work completed to date and the work to be undertaken next to deal with extremism and terrorist threats. Officers stated that the work was being carried out by the local multi agency Prevent action group. Officers reported positive feedback following a peer review and added that Neath Port Talbot were the first group in the UK to have the review. The review confirmed that the action group’s approach was correct. Members noted the Prevent action plan.

Officers stated that they were seeking endorsement from the Regeneration and Sustainable Development Cabinet Board for delegated authority to be passed to relevant officers to implement the Venue Hire Policy. Officers informed Members that the policy would place responsibility on officers who take venue hire bookings to be vigilant and to take the relevant course of action if an enquiry raised suspicion. Members stated that it was important for town and community councils to be aware of the Venue Hire Policy. Members were supportive of the proposal to be considered by Cabinet Board.

Officers informed Members of their intention to inspect 100% of the premises for 2017-18. Officers reported that in 2016-17 the department did not achieve 100% inspections on premises classified as category D and E. Officers stated that the Food Standard Agency (FSA) were notified of this, and resources had been re-distributed in order to ensure that the target was met in 2017-18. Officers informed Members that they were considering charging new businesses for advice and coaching from the team. This service had been provided free of charge previously.

Members queried whether businesses were still fined if a food item was found out of date during an inspection. Officers stated that any businesses using items found to be passed their use by date would be committing an offence and would be dealt with accordingly. Officers added that businesses found to be using items that had exceeded their best before date would be advised that it was not good practice. Members queried whether the council received the money generated from the fines. Officers confirmed that the Home Office received the money from the fines. Officers added that if a business is taken to court and found guilty, the council will be reimbursed for the time spent on the case by the Trading Standards Officer and Legal Officer.

Members enquired whether there was information available which explained why a business had received a certain hygiene star rating. Officers informed Members that this information could be obtain on the FSA website.

Members queried whether it was a legal requirement for businesses to display the hygiene rating at all times. Officers stated that it was a legal requirement; however some businesses had been known to display incorrect hygiene ratings. Members enquired whether officers carried out unplanned visits to business premises. Officers confirmed that unplanned visits were carried out especially if complaints were received regarding a particular business premises. 

Members queried whether new businesses were automatically inspected or did they need to submit an application to receive the inspection. Officers confirmed that the onus was on the new businesses to apply for their initial inspection.

Members acknowledged the good working carried out by the section. Members noted the report on Food And Feed Service Delivery Plan 2017-2018 And The Food And Feed Law Enforcement Review 2016-2017.