Agenda and minutes

Members discussed the current number of referrals (page 18, paragraph 2 of the previous minutes), and noted that not all of these would result in a referral to the Channel Panel. Some might be signposted towards other areas of help. Further information would be presented to Members at the next meeting.

That the Minutes of the previous meeting held on 26 March, 2019, be approved.

The committee noted the Forward Work Programme for 2019/20.

Report of the Head of Human Resources – Sheenagh Rees and Assistant Chief Executive & Chief Digital Officer  - Karen Jones

Members discussed the two types of training available for Prevent – e-learning and face to face Workshops to Raise Awareness of Prevent (WRAP). It was noted that the Home Office no longer kept records of individuals who had completed Prevent e-learning training. Although it was the aspiration to train all staff, it was noted that some staff had no access to a computer, so could not easily complete the e-learning training.

Members were disappointed to note the low levels of training which had been taken up within the Education, Leisure and Lifelong Learning (ELLL) directorate – currently only 33% had received training - and noted that this was because the directorate had their own training team. Members requested that the Director of ELLL and the Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Culture be sent a letter from the Sub Committee emphasising the importance of the Prevent training.

A new Exploitation training pack was being formulated and the training course piloted, and would be rolled out shortly.

Discussion also took place around the following areas:

·                    Evening training courses for Governors,

·                    Funding of Prevent training through existing resources,

·                    The importance of training the community in Prevent, for example, taxi drivers.

Members asked the Learning Training and Development Manager for detailed figures on the uptake of training after the dates in the report (end of August – Prevent training, either face to face or e-learning, and end of July - VAWDASV Training). This would be provided to Members following this meeting.

Following Scrutiny the Committee noted the report.

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive and Chief Digital Officer - Mrs. Karen Jones

The critical incident group had been set up as a response to the rise in drug deaths, drug dealers and County Lines in the area. Although the group had now ended, the action plan from the group was still ongoing.

Officers were pleased to report that the action plan was performing well overall. The tasks that were in progress were being monitored by the Community Safety Partnership Group. The group would be meeting at the end of October to go through the action plan in detail and would hold people to account if necessary.

Following Scrutiny the Committee noted the report.

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive and Chief Digital Officer - Mrs. Karen Jones

Members were updated on the work and responsibilities of the Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) team. A refresher event would shortly be organised for the ‘Have a Heart, Give Smart’ scheme which had been launched a year ago. It was noted that there would always be certain amounts of anti-social behaviour, but the ASB team was trying to maintain low levels.

Members discussed the issues at Vivian Park in Port Talbot over the summer months, and noted that these issues had improved due to joint working. New signage had been put in place and there had been joint visits to lock up the park, with the help of the police.

The early closure of Port Talbot bus station as a result of anti-social behaviour, was discussed. Members were concerned this would push vulnerable people onto the streets, but reassurances were given that this had only been a temporary measure. Port Talbot bus station was now closing at the correct times, and was being monitored by CCTV.

Members mentioned specific areas of anti-social behaviour in their local wards, and were encouraged to report all instances to 101, in order for the reports to be passed onto the ASB team.

Discussion took place around year on year trends of anti-social behaviour and whether austerity had had any effects. Members would be interested to receive information, going forward, on whether incidents of anti-social behaviour rose or fell in the months following Brexit.

Further topics discussed included:

·                    Drug taking paraphernalia in parks,

·                    Dispersal Orders,

·                    Call back service on the 101 line,

·                    The possibility of designated areas for street art in Neath Port Talbot,

·                    Restorative justice.

Members were advised that an online form was available on the South Wales Police website for use in reporting non-emergency incidents, in addition to the 101 telephone number. It was felt that this online service was not well publicised, and the public were not encouraged to use it. South Wales Police Officers would bring back further information at the next meeting of the Sub Committee.

Members noted the ongoing ‘Kick County Lines into Touch’ campaign. Rugby World Cup fixtures lists had been produced with what to look for regarding County Lines on the reverse.

Following Scrutiny the Committee noted the report.

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive and Chief Digital Officer - Mrs. Karen Jones

Members chose not to scrutinise this item, but the report was noted.