Agenda item

Report of the Director of Transformation and Partnerships.

The Chairman asked the Overview and Scrutiny Officer to speak to Members in relation to the Council Plan 2016-2019 – Refresh of the Work Programme (for copy see file of minutes).

The Overview and Scrutiny Officer explained that the report highlighted work that had been undertaken by the Committee within the past year and also looked forward to seek suggestions from Members to be included within the Committee’s work programme for the forthcoming year.   Members were reminded that the aims and objectives were aligned to those of the Council Plan and associated plans, as well as the Safe Durham Partnership Plan priority areas.  It was explained that the report set out the current work programme, the in depth reviews looking at Cybercrime and Arson, as well as the systematic reviews (Organised Crime Groups, 20mph Limits, Alcohol and the Demand on the Emergency Services and Improved Safety In the Home – Safe and Wellbeing Visits), focused scrutiny meetings and the areas of overview activity.  The Committee noted that regular quarterly performance updates and links to the work of the Police and Crime Panel.

The Overview and Scrutiny Officer noted possible areas for review including Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and confidence levels and Community Resilience/Preparedness, however, a further report would come back to Committee in June for Members’ consideration.

Members were reminded of the number of cross-cutting issues linked to the Altogether themes, including: Better for Children and Young People; Healthier; and Greener; in addition to which Committee lead in terms of these issues.

The Chairman thanked the Overview and Scrutiny Officer and noted it was good to see all of the work that the Committee had undertaken.  He added that it would also be important to be able to react to any issues that may arise during the year.

Councillor R Crute noted the areas identified by the Overview and Scrutiny Officer, ASB, protecting vulnerable people from harm and the issues in terms of public confidence.

The Chairman noted thanks to the Vice-Chairman, Councillor H Liddle for her work in chairing the review in relation to Cybercrime.

Resolved:

(i)            That the Safer and Stronger Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee note the information contained in the Altogether Safer priority theme of the Council Plan 2016 -2019.

(ii)          That the Safer and Stronger Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee at its meeting first meeting of the 2018/19 Municipal Year, receive a further report detailing the Committee’s Work Programme for 2018 -2019.