Agenda item

Following discussions, the Cabinet Board acknowledged the concerns discussed at the earlier Scrutiny Committee in relation to the proposed reduction in the monitoring service and the methodology to be employed in decommissioning cameras where “a pressing need” was not demonstrated. As a result of the concerns expressed and in light of the slightly better than anticipated financial settlement the Cabinet Board agreed:

Decisions:

1.              That the number of cameras across the county borough be reduced to be compliant with existing legislation and Codes of Practice as set out at Appendix 1 of the circulated report.

2.              That the proposal that the CCTV service moves to a demand-led model be approved. This would mean active monitoring generally only taking place at the weekend and bank holidays. During other times, cameras will remain operational but no active monitoring would be taking place.

The implementation of this recommendation be deferred until 1 April 2017

3.              That an update report be brought to Committee in early 2016 setting out the proposed methodology and timetable for developing the business case for establishing a joint service with the City and County of Swansea that tests the cost benefits of establishing a joint CCTV service either on a CCTV only scope, or, extending the CCTV service on joint basis to include other complementary functions.

4.              That officers be authorised to finalise arrangements with Bridgend County Borough Council to deal with the Council’s out of hours telephone response service to coincide with any reduction in CCTV monitoring out of hours.

5.              That the Head of Corporate Strategy and Democratic Services be authorised to implement the recommendations of the Cabinet Board, including entering into agreements to effect the necessary changes within the overall cash limit approved for the service.

6.              That the Head of Corporate Strategy and Democratic Services reports no less frequently than quarterly to the Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee on levels of crime and disorder across the county borough so that Members can maintain an overview of the impact of the changes being recommended.

Reason for Decisions:

To further develop the proposals set out in the Council Budget 2015-16 to 2017-18 in order to achieve further savings in the cost of CCTV to the Council and provide the Best Value for Money Option.

Implementation of Decisions:

The decisions will be implemented after the three-day call in period.