Agenda item

Report of the Director of Transformation and Partnerships.

The Chairman introduced the Corporate Scrutiny and Performance Manager, Tom Gorman who was in attendance to speak to Members in relation to the Quarter 1 2018/19 Performance Management Report for the Altogether Safer theme (for copy see file of minutes).

The Corporate Scrutiny and Performance Manager referred Members to the report and noted a change to the reporting, with the key performance indicators (KPIs) being set out against the key performance questions (KPQs): how effective are we at tackling crime and disorder; how effective are we at tackling anti-social behaviour; how well do we reduce misuse of drugs and alcohol; how well do we tackle abuse of vulnerable people, including domestic abuse, child sexual exploitation and radicalisation; and how do we keep our environment safe, including roads and waterways.

It was noted that the key performance issues with a reduction in performance included an increase in the crime rate (reported), with a workshop session for Members on Recorded Crime to be held on 4 October, with Chief Superintendent A Green to present.  It was added that anti-social behaviour (ASB) had decrease by approximately 8% with many now becoming crime rather than previously being separated and categorised as ASB.  Members noted an increase in ASB reported to the Council, 8.8%.

The Corporate Scrutiny and Performance Manager explained that the people’s perceptions of the Police and DCC in dealing with concerns of ASB and crime was 53% lower than for the same period the previous year.  It was noted that the figures the Police recorded in terms of public perception of Police dealing with concerns had remained static and accordingly the Council would speak to colleagues at the Police in terms of work they undertook in relation to public perception.

The Corporate Scrutiny and Performance Manager noted that alcohol and drug treatment performance was now hitting target, and improvements were moving towards national averages. 

Members were reminded that the Committee had previously received information as regards the new partner, DISC, who began delivery in February 2018. 

Councillors noted the recent JTAI into the multi-agency response to domestic violence had been carried out in July by Ofsted, the Care Quality Commission, Fire and Rescue Services, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and HMIP.  It was added that the final inspection letter had been published on 24 August and the next step was to prepare a written statement of proposed action responding to the report findings by 3 December 2018.  It was explained that the Chairman of Overview and Scrutiny, Councillor R Crute had asked that this was an area that Overview and Scrutiny would be involved with, specifically the Safer and Stronger Communities and the Children and Young People’s Overview and Scrutiny Committees.

The Committee noted that in terms of those killed or seriously injured (KSI) in road traffic incidents, the overall numbers had decreased, and in addition there had been no fatalities.  Members noted a slight increase in the number of children involved, though it was added they were small numbers, being 3 the previous year and 4 this year.

The Chairman thanked the Corporate Scrutiny and Performance Manager, and noted the progress in terms of the Drug and Alcohol Service, particularly pleasing as it had been an area the Committee had been keen, through its work and review, to see improvements and progress.  He asked Members for their questions and comments,

Councillor J Charlton noted the public perception figures and explained that Police feedback was very good on incidents reported, however, she had found the DCC feedback in terms of environmental issues and ASB had not been as good and asked if this could have an impact.  She also asked if in terms of 20mph limits, this had an impact upon the KSI figures.  The Corporate Scrutiny and Performance Manager noted that ASB report had increased and that feedback was one of the issues that DCC were speaking to colleagues at Durham Constabulary, and as regards their work with Durham University on this issue.  The Overview and Scrutiny Officer noted that in relation to the 20mph limits, the impact was not yet known, however evaluation was being carried out with further information to come back to the Committee as scheduled in the 2019/20 Work Programme.

Councillor R Crute noted that if the public perception of how the Police and DCC tackle crime and ASB did not match the reality of how the organisations actually performed then this suggested to him that there was a communication problem.  He added that it could also be an issue in what the public perceived the Council could influence and act upon.  He felt that it was important for the Council to promote what we do and what we can do and therefore we should “beef up” the promotion of reporting mechanisms.  Councillor R Crute added that in relation to the PCVC in renewing their KPIs, could a relevant addition under KPQ 5 accordingly.  The Corporate Scrutiny and Performance Manager noted that the relevant KPIs would be looked at.

Councillor E Mavin noted that in relation to 20mph limits, all of his local Parish area had 20mph limits and that from his experience local people did, in general, abide by those limits.  He added that those that did stick to the limit appeared to be those from outside of the local area, for example delivery drivers.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.