To receive from Members any declarations of interest and of any political whip in relation to any agenda item.

None

To receive any announcements from the Chairman and any matters of communication.

The Chairman welcomed the Police and Crime Commissioner and those officers attending the meeting on behalf of Bedfordshire Police, Bedfordshire Probation Trust and Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The Committee expressed its disappointment that the Director and Executive Members were not in attendance.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee meetings held on 12 December 2013 and to note actions taken since that meeting.

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 13 December 2014 be signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

To receive petitions from members of the public in accordance with the Public Participation Procedure as set out in Annex 2 of Part A4 of the Constitution.

None

To receive any questions, statements or deputations from members of the public in accordance with the Public Participation Procedure as set out in Annex 1 of part A4 of the Constitution.

None

To consider any decision of the Executive referred to this Committee for review in accordance with Procedure Rule 10.10 of Part D2. 

None

To consider any items referred to the Committee at the request of a Member under Procedure Rule 3.1 of Part D2 of the Constitution.

The Chairman informed the Committee that items 16 and 17 as detailed on the agenda had previously been requested by a Member.

To receive a verbal update from the Executive Member(s) on matters pertaining to their portfolio(s).

None

To consider the Community Safety Plan and Priorities for 2014/15.

The Head of Community Safety introduced a report that set out the three priorities and emerging issues that had been identified through the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) Strategic Assessment for 2014/15.  In particular the report highlighted increasing numbers of incidents of serious acquisitive crime and domestic abuse, which was in part due to a change in the definition of domestic abuse.  The CSP had also identified several emerging issues that would be reviewed in more detail over the coming year.  In addition the Committee were advised that references to the estimated growth in Gypsy and Traveller population and the number of pitches needed to meet need would be amended in light of recent Overview and Scrutiny and Executive meetings. 

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) advised the Committee that each of the CSPs priorities featured in his Police and Crime Plan.  Crime across Central Bedfordshire was lower than in other parts of the County but there were areas that were more challenging.  Bedfordshire Police did not receive a significant amount of funding and due to reductions in grants it had been necessary to enforce a recruitment freeze, as a result of which front-line policing had suffered.  Bedfordshire Police was now in a position to recruit staff in order to rebalance this issue.  Due to historical under-reporting of incidents of domestic abuse it was expected that the number of incidents would increase.  This would demonstrate increase confidence in the Police approach to dealing with incidents of domestic abuse.

In light of the report the Committee and other Members in attendance discussed the following issues in detail:-

·         How support was provided to children who were impacted by living in circumstances of domestic abuse.  In response the PCC commented that in 2014 he would receive responsibility for commissioning support services for victimsat which point he would consider the support provided in relation to domestic abuse that was currently delivered in partnership with other agencies.  The Head of Community Safety also confirmed that support was provided to children in collaboration with the Children’s Services directorate and the Safeguarding Children Board

·         The process for dealing with repeat incidents of anti-social behaviour (ASB).  The PCC advised that in light of a previous inspection Bedfordshire Police had taken action to address weaknesses in the control room to give assurance that performance had improved.  CI Tania Coulson also commented that a structured process was in place to provide checks and balances and this started at the first point of contact from control room.

·         The current numbers of Police Community Safety Officers (PCSOs) and Police Constables.  The PCC advised the Committee that the numbers of PCSOs had increased to establishment level (42 in Central Bedfordshire).  There were 80 officers recently recruited who would go into response policing.

·         The degree of confidence in the crime statistics used to produce the strategic assessment risk matrix.  The Head of Community Safety advised the Committee that in addition to statistics the risk matrix was developed in light of engagement and discussion with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 101.

To consider Chapters 2 (recreation and open space strategy) and 3 (playing pitch strategy) of the draft Leisure Strategy and the overarching Leisure Strategy prior to adoption by Executive.

Appendices B and C to the report have not been circulated with the agenda due to their size.  Hard copies will be circulated to Members of the Committee only and are available on the following website:-

http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/leisure/sports-clubs-andcentres/leisure-strategy.aspx

The Policy and Strategy Manager (Leisure Services) provided a presentation that set out the purpose of the Leisure Strategy and its key components.  The presentation also outlined the information detailed within each chapter of the Strategy and the next steps in its implementation in order for it to be adopted as interim Technical Guidance to inform the emerging Development Strategy.  Public consultation had been undertaken with regards to the Strategy, the outcomes of which were outlined in the report.

In light of the report and the presentation the Committee discussed the following issues in detail:-

·         Whether it was appropriate to call it a ‘leisure’ Strategy as this could encompass many different facilities.  The Strategy and Policy Manager clarified that people had different interpretations of what constituted ‘leisure’. 

·         The Council is developing a questionnaire for Parish Councils to identify where the Council may be able to provide them with CBC land for new allotments and cemeteries.

·         The positive nature of including burial grounds and cemeteries in the Strategy.

·         The need to identify additional football pitches in the Strategy for Cranfield as proposed developments would not address existing deficiency.  In response the Strategy and Policy Manager confirmed the data regarding Cranfield would be reviewed.

·         Whether it was feasible to expect sufficient Section 106 contributions from the North Houghton Regis development to fund a leisure centre in Houghton Regis.  The Policy and Strategy Manager clarified that officers were working with the development consortium to achieve an indoor leisure facility on the development, however, this is within the financial constraints of the viability assessment. At the current time a new Hougton Regis leisure centre is predicated on S106 contributions as there is currently no CBC capital budget for it.  In addition, the Assistant Director Planning clarified that there were potential contributions from the HRN1 application and future planning applications in the Houghton Regis, Dunstable and North Luton area.  At this stage however, there were no firm guarantees that the value of the HRN1 scheme would be of a sufficient level to deliver a contribution towards a new leisure centre and Development Management would have to weigh up various priorities to determine whether a new leisure centre was of higher priority than other planning obligations (for example transport).  If the Council implemented a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), the Council would have greater flexibility over the use of CILfunding, and could prioritise spend of CIL funds towards a new leisure centre rather than other infrastructure requirements.

·         Convenient access to open space  will be a requirement when delivering new development being planned for locally.  It was important that the Council was driven by the large growth agenda and that there was clarity in delivering convenient accessibility to local open space.

·         Indoor cycling facilities are not included in the Leisure Strategy despite its growing popularity.  The Policy and Strategy Manager clarified that indoor cycling facilities are a specialist activity and these are not within the scope of the strategy, however, cycling activities are included in Chapter 4: the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 102.

To consider the draft Budget, updated Medium Term Financial Plan and Capital Programme pertaining to the Community Services Directorate.

Papers relating to these items were circulated to Members in the Executive agenda for 14 January 2014 (Items 08 and 09 refer).  In addition to the covering report included in this agenda Members are requested to bring their copies of the Executive report with them to the meeting.  The report is available to view and print at the following website:-

http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/modgov/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=577&MId=4397&Ver=4

The Senior Finance Manager introduced a report that outlined the Community Services draft Budget, Medium Term Financial Plan and outlined the efficiencies and key pressures for the directorate.  An additional paper was also circulated and explained to Members that outlined changes to the proposed capital budget following the Executive meeting on 14 January 2014.

RECOMMENDED that the Council’s draft budget for 2014/15 Medium Term Financial Plan and Capital Programme 2014/15 to 2017/18 in relation to Community Services be supported.

To consider the draft Budget, updated Medium Term Financial Plan and Capital Programme pertaining to the Community Services Directorate.

Papers relating to these items were circulated to Members in the Executive agenda for 14 January 2014 (Items 08 and 09 refer).  In addition to the covering report included in this agenda Members are requested to bring their copies of the Executive report with them to the meeting.  The report is available to view and print at the following website:-

http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/modgov/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=577&MId=4397&Ver=4

The Senior Finance Manager introduced a report that outlined the Regeneration and Business Services draft Budget, Medium Term Financial Plan and outlined the efficiencies and key pressures for the directorate.  An additional paper was also circulated and explained to Members that outlined changes to the proposed capital budget following the Executive meeting on 14 January 2014.

RECOMMENDED that the Council’s draft budget for 2014/15 Medium Term Financial Plan and Capital Programme 2014/15 to 2017/18 in relation to the Regeneration and Business Support Service be supported.

To receive the draft Fees and Charges schedule for 2014/15 pertaining to the Community Services and Regeneration and Business Support Services Directorates.

The Senior Finance Manager introduced a report that proposed the revised fees and charges for the Community Services and Regeneration and Business Support Services directorates.  Changes were highlighted in relation to several specific areas including libraries, pest control, parking charges, room hire, and Private Hire taxi fees.

In response to questions from Members the Senior Finance Manager agreed to provide clarification with regard to Hackney Carriages fees and whether the Council could set its own discounted prices on penalty charge notices .

It was also commented that whilst the Council set a charge for dog fouling it did not appear that anyone had been successfully charged for that offence.

NOTED the proposed fees and charges for the Community Services and Regeneration and Business Support Services directorates.

In light of a request item the Committee will receive a report on a range of street scene and environmental services provided by Waste and Highways Services.

The Deputy Executive Member introduced a report that responded to several questions from a Member regarding a range of street scene and environmental services.  Several questions were raised, which were responded to as follows:-

·         All vulnerable gullies were visited and emptied approximately three times a year, where there was a particular urgent issue it was normally cleared within 24 hours.  Other non-vulnerable gullies were cleared less frequently.

·         The Council did not own any small sweeping vehicles, cycleways were predominantly cleared by hand brushing.  A Member commented on the poor state of cycleways and suggested that the Council consider whether it would be feasible to purchase small ATVs that could be used to make it easier to clear debris.  It was also commented that the Council needed to review the use of maintenance strips by cyclists as they were often filled with debris and cyclists were pushed often into using them by road users.  The Deputy Executive Member agreed to look into this and respond to Members by email.

·         Previous problems in relation of weed spraying had been brought to the attention of the contract manager who has advised contractors to take greater care when spraying.

·         Maintenance of trees located on the highway was the Council’s responsibility, where trees were overhanging onto the highway from a property the Council would advise the land owner to cut it back and give them a timescale within which to do the work.  If it was not completed within that timeframe the Council would undertake the work and charge the land owner.  The tree strategy that was referred to in the report would relate to trees located on the highway.

·         There was an application process for dog bins, if the application was accepted the Council would pay for and service it providing that it was to be located on the highway.

NOTED the update.

In light of a previous request the Committee will receive a verbal update in relation to performance on satisfaction with road and pavement maintenance for information.

The Assistant Director Environmental Services advised the Committee that in 2012 satisfaction with performance on road and pavement maintenance had been below the national average.  A project was established in 2012 that sought to improve satisfaction focusing on four individual workstreams.  Focus groups were undertaken that led to the Council developing a revised policy for pothole repairs and a more joined-up service.  The Council had also sought to minimise the number of multiple visits that would be necessary to a site in order to remedy a problem.  Recent survey results showed that satisfaction had improved in comparison to 2012/13 and the Council was on track to achieve its target for 2016.  The biggest number of calls and complaints currently received by the service related to issues with street lighting.

In response to questions from Members the Deputy Executive Member commented that there was £1.3m in the draft Budget for 2014/15 to continue to resolve category one and category two potholes on site at the same time.  With regard to tarmac being overlaid on concrete, if there was structural integrity the potholes were not repaired.

NOTED the report.

To consider the currently drafted Committee work programme and the Executive Forward Plan.

The Corporate Policy and Scrutiny Manager advised the Committee of several recent additions to the work programme as follows:-

·         South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership

·         Central Bedfordshire Design Guide

·         Central Bedfordshire Development Strategy

The Chairman also advised that the types of taxis used within Central Bedfordshire might be an item to be added to the agenda in the future.

RECOMMENDED that the work programme be approved subject to the additions detailed above.