Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest

The minutes of the meeting on 22 July 2021 were approved as a true record of the meeting.

The Director – Neighbourhoods presented their report which detailed a review of the South Nottinghamshire Community Safety Partnership (SNCSP). It was noted that the Partnership covered the administrative areas of Rushcliffe, Broxtowe and Gedling. The Director advised that the statutory and voluntary partners who participated in the SNCSP aimed to reduce crime and disorder, anti-social behaviour and to promote healthy and safer communities.

Inspector Rob Lawton – the Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for Rushcliffe delivered a presentation to the group which covered:

• Crime Trends
• Anti-Social Behaviour
• Priorities
• Resource Deployment
• Commitment
• Partners

Following the presentation, councillors asked questions regarding the tackling of financial cybercrime. The Inspector encouraged Councillors to ask residents to contact the police if they had any concerns, especially if they did not have access to social media. The Director – Neighbourhoods informed the councillors that the Safer Nottinghamshire Board which aims to bring together key agencies involved in community safety had a strategy and action plan to help tackle crime against the vulnerable as cybercrime had increased by over 340% in the last 12 months. It was noted that it was important for residents to be educated about national initiatives such as the ’take five’ and ‘tell two’ campaign and the officers agreed to recirculate advice to the group which they could then pass on to residents. The Group were also informed that a local action plan for community safety work in the borough the group was funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner which is split between Gedling, Broxtowe and Rushcliffe and much of proactive work of this plan was delivered in partnership with Rushcliffe’s community safety officer.

The Group asked questions regarding the selection of priorities for the Borough. The Inspector stated that priorities were chosen dependent on which type of crimes had been reported in Rushcliffe and that priorities may not necessarily require extra resources. The Group were assured that daily business still occurs despite there being three priorities for Rushcliffe.

It was questioned whether domestic abuse and violence against women and girls would be made a priority for the Borough. The Group were informed that these crimes were dealt with by response officers. The Director – Neighbourhoods stated that the police and crime commissioner funded JUNO Women’s Aid across the county and also Equation which is an organisation which provides support for men experiencing domestic abuse.

In light of recent national events the Inspector advised the councillors to inform residents that they are able to ask to see evidence of the police officers’ warrant card if they have any concerns about being approached by them. It was also noted that some police officers may be in plainclothes or may be members of the police organisation and not necessarily a police officer. It was agreed that the Director – Neighbourhoods discuss with the education authority about how we could influence the national curriculum to include methods to address the behaviour of boys towards girls and women.   

The Inspector agreed to circulate to the group a presentation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

The Communities Manager presented the report of the Director – Neighbourhoods which detailed the support that the Council provides for children and young people. It was explained that activities were delivered through a combination of service level agreements and through directly delivery via internal council teams. 

The Group received a presentation which detailed the Borough’s activities for children and young people as well as the Council’s largest project supporting children and young people the Trent Bridge Community Trust (TBCT) who facilitate delivery of the Positive Futures and YouNG programmes in Rushcliffe.

The presentation covered;

• Current Borough Activities
• Evolving ways of working
• The Work of Trent Bridge Community Trust
• Key Priorities
• Covid-19 Changes
• Partnerships
• Opportunities

Following the presentation, it was requested that further information be provided about the pilot of the family hub scheme. The Communities Manager agreed to contact the County Council and provide the Group with a summary which would detail a road map of their work in the future.

The Group endorsed the work of the TBCT and thanked the Community Projects Manager for his comprehensive presentation. In particular, the Group praised the activities which had taken place in Cotgrave in the summer, which were attended by over 400 young people.

The Group asked questions about how a young person could be referred to take part in the positive futures programme. It was noted that referrals could be completed by teachers, the police, parents and even by the young person themselves. The majority of young people that the TBCT were working with on a one-to-one basis were suffering from mental health related illnesses and that the TBCT supported them in undertaking activities such as walking, going to the gym, and making jewellery. The TBCT also facilitated a transition programme for year 6 pupils in the lead up to starting secondary school.

The Group also asked questions about the YouNG Project. The Community Projects Manager was pleased to inform the Group that YouNG markets were due to take place across the Borough at Christmas light switch on events in West Bridgford and Cotgrave. The Councillors suggested that the TBCT could benefit for funding from the Council’s Community Support Scheme and Nottinghamshire County Council’s divisional fund which could help fund additional markets in Rushcliffe. Councillors were encouraged to notify the TBCT of any community events in which a YouNG market could take place. The YouNG project also provided work experience placements for young people, including those no longer in education seeking employment.  

It was RESOLVED that

a)    The report of the Director – Neighbourhoods be noted

b)    The work of the Positive Futures and YouNG project be endorsed

c)    The Group be provided with further information about the family hub pilot scheme

The Chairman presented the report of the Director – Finance and Corporate Services, which detailed the proposed Communities Scrutiny Group Work Programme for 2021/22.

Items suggested for the work programme included rural broadband. It was noted that this would probably be an item for the growth and development group to scrutinise and that a scrutiny matrix would need to be submitted in order for it to be approved by the Corporate Overview Group.

Concerns were raised that agenda items were being moved around in between the meetings of the communities scrutiny group and the corporate overview group. It was suggested that councillors discuss their concerns with the Service Manager – Finance and Corporate Services.

It was RESOLVED that the work programme below be approved.

27 January 2022

· Housing Delivery Plan

· Work Programme

28 April 2022

· Carbon Management Plan

· Waste Strategy

· Work Programme