Devon County Council
Councillors Parsons (Chairman), Boyd, Boyle and Eastman
Apologies for Absence
Councillors P Pennington and Robinson
50 Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman
RESOLVED
(a) that Councillor Boyd be elected Chairman for the ensuing year
(b) that Councillor Robinson be elected Vice Chairman for the ensuing year.
*51 Minutes
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 7 March 2011 be signed as a correct record.
*52 Current Policing Issues
Supt. Kevin Harris LPA Commander N/W Devon reported on local policing issues and gave an update on recent crime data and the re-organisation of the Constabulary operation blueprint to achieve budget reductions of 50m over the next 4 years.
He reported:
19% reduction in crime overall for 2011/12
the 4 key priorities related to crime reduction, improved visibility, improved user satisfaction and safeguarding/protective services
incidents of serious violence was down by 32% (17 incidents), personal injury down by 1% (274 incidents), stolen vehicles down by 25% (116) following a reduction in the previous year of 28%; serious domestic violence down by 50% (10), domestic burglary down by 23% (66), and theft from vehicles down by 33% (77) and 486 cases of criminal damage and a detection rate of 36.2 %
these were very encouraging crime figures and represented effective partnership working with a broad range of agencies within the Community Safety Partnerships with County and District Council representation
the constabulary had recently reorganised into a more functional basis which assisted with a more flexible and improved response to serious incidents
88% of the 50m reduction over 4 years was accounted for by staffing cuts including 700 officers and 8 m related to non personnel for example improved estate management and improved predictive soft ware to allocate resources more effectively and reorganised shift patterns to ensure 24 hr 7 day coverage with additional staff at peak times
improved closer working with partner agencies on the ground to prevent and combat crime and to address issues by the most appropriate person and not necessarily police officers for example to address anti social behaviour with a Anti Social Behaviour Task Group comprising staff from different agencies
closer working relations and communication with the area s two members of parliament
improved communication and liaison with victims of crime with dedicated officers to keep victims informed
community liaison with for example the West Cross School and establishment of community hubs (funded in part by members delegated budget)
the future funding issues in respect of PCSO which was subject to Home Office consideration in 2013. PCSOs have proved to be successful and are well received by communities and valued as part of neighbourhood policing teams
the need for improved police engagement with Bideford College.
The Chairman thanked Supt Harris for his informative and interesting presentation and members noted the importance of continued close working with the police by the County and District Councils.
*53 Taw and Torridge Voluntary Services: Update on Third Sector Issues
The Committee received a report from Penny Mason (who had submitted her apologies) on key issues and the impact of the current financial climate on voluntary services. Members agreed to consider the report and relay their views in due course to the Locality Development Officer.
*54 Locality Budgets 2010/11 Outturn and Spend to Date for 2011/12
The Committee considered the report of the Community Strategy Officer (CX/11/47 - text onlyCX/11/47) on new spending proposals and the outturn position for 2010/11. The appendix to the report detailed the total spend by members in the financial year 2010/11and highlighted the value of match funding and the number of community based projects to have benefited.
The Community Strategy Officer reported on further applications.
It was MOVED by Councillor Boyd, SECONDED by Councillor Eastman and
RESOLVED
(a) that the spending proposals set out in the report be endorsed; and
(b) that the following proposals be also approved subject to letters of intent asking for financial updates in respect of Appledore Blue Lights Hall and Bideford Cricket Club:
| Organisation | Nature of project | Councillor | Amount of funding |
| Appledore Blue Lights Hall | Upgrade of disabled toilets and access | Eastman | 2,000 |
| Bideford Cricket Club | New Pavilion | Eastman | 2,000 |
| Appledore Baptist Church | Kitchen equipment for community lunches | Eastman | 500 |
| Torridge Pilot Gig Club | Flash boat | Eastman | 2,000 |
| Appledore Book Festival | Schools Programme | Eastman | 2,000 |
| Northam Community Association | Refurbishment of hall | Eastman | 3,000 |
| Merton Parish Council | Freedom of Parish for Coldstream Guards | Boyd | 1,500 |
*55 Member Development Steering Group
The Committee noted the Minutes of the Steering Group meeting held on 31 March 2011.
*56 Future Meetings
(a) Monday, 10 October 2011
(b) Monday, 5 March 2012
at 2 pm at Riverbank House, Bideford
| The Minutes of the Committee are published on the County Council s Website at:- |
*DENOTES DELEGATED MATTER WITH POWER TO ACT
The meeting started at 2.00 pm and finished at 3. 30 pm