To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 15^th March 2005.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 15^th March, 2005 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

A representative from the Police Force will be present at the meeting to give an update in relation to crime figures etc.

Sergeant Ed Turner was present at the meeting to give details of the crime statistics in the Newton Aycliffe area.  The crime statistics for the end of year compared with the previous year were as follows :-

Discussion was held regarding the policing of the Town Centre and the use of Support Officers.  It was explained that the Support Officers were not dedicated officers in relation to policing the town centre.  They were also involved in dealing with other incidents elsewhere.

Reference was made to issues in relation to anti-social behaviour and the growing trend of youths riding mini quad bikes.  Numerous calls had been received in relation to the issue.  Six bikes had been seized, twelve warning notices issued.  The Police were requesting the public to report incidents together with names and addresses of offenders.   

In response to a query raised regarding when the vacancy for Beat Officer would be filled, it was explained that an advert was to be placed that week.

In the short term resources had been re-jigged to cover the area.

Reference was also made to difficulties being encountered in relation to members of the public contacting the call centre and the staffing levels of call centres.  It was explained that staffing levels of shifts was dependent on anticipated need.

A representative from the Primary Care Trust will be present at the meeting to report on progress

It was explained that Paul Irving, Director of Integration and Service Modernisation, Sedgefield PCT, was present at the meeting to give a progress update.

Members of the Forum were reminded that at the last meeting discussion had been held regarding the delay in the supply of digital hearing aids.  The issue had been raised with the Acute NHS Trust and a response was awaited.

Members were informed of the PCT’s financial position at the end of the year 2004/5.  It was pointed out that there had been a high amount of non-elected (unplanned) activities which had resulted in an overspend.  It was pointed out, however, that discussions were being held to identify plans to rectify the overspend.

It was explained that the Health Care Commission was again reviewing the PCTs yearly star rating.  Sedgefield PCT would be submitting its performance levels over the following two months to the Health Care Commission for them to award the relevant star.  It was hoped that the current star rating would be kept.

Specific reference was also made to the Tees Review.  It was hoped that the Review would reach its conclusion by the Summer of 2005.  Further information would be brought to the Forum when it was relevant.

Reference was also made to the establishment of five integrated teams throughout the Borough.  One team had already been established at Trimdon which had been successful and the other four teams would be rolled out throughout the Borough.  The next team to be established would be Shildon/ Newton Aycliffe team towards the end of the month to be based in Newton Aycliffe Town Centre.  The teams would be a one stop shop for social and healthcare queries. 

The date of the next meeting is to be agreed at the annual meeting of Council on 20^th May 2005.

It was noted that the date of the next meeting would be agreed at the Annual Meeting of Council on 20^th May, 2005.