Agenda item

The Panel received an update report on the Durham Constabulary Estate, presented by Deputy Chief Constable C Irvine (for copy see file of Minutes). 

Deputy Chief Constable C Irvine noted that today was the opening and first day of operation of new Custody Suite, within the new Investigative Hub.  He explained as regards the Officers and Staff that moved in, including Investigation Teams, Prisoner Handling, Evidence and Property, and Firearms Teams.  He reminded the Panel that it had been three years since ground had been broken on the site.

Deputy Chief Constable C Irvine explained as regards the size of the Force Estate, noting that its cost in terms of services and maintenance was second only to wages for the Force.  He added that, with an aging estate, costs were increasing over time and that it represented a significant challenge in terms of the cost.  He noted that the completion of the new Investigative Hub, and movement of staff into the new facility was a good first step.  He explained as regards factors that fed into priorities and change, such as increased computer load with associated sufficient electricity supplies; greater mobility of staff with newer technology and equipment; greener technologies, electric vehicles, solar, heat pumps and so on. 

He reminded the Panel of the improvements to the Force estate over the last 10 years, with the development of the new HQ at Aykley Heads, new warehousing facility at Peterlee, and the Investigative Hub at Bowburn.  He added that newer, more agile ways of working with colleagues from the Fire and Rescue Service, and Local Authorities were also beneficial in terms of estate management.

Deputy Chief Constable C Irvine explained that the drafting of an estate policy for the Police and OPCC was no small task, with the development of commercial buildings and the demands placed upon it demanding a higher specification.  He noted that the Government’s funding settlement would be important, however, all would work to ensure there was not an impact upon operational delivery.  He emphasised that the Force was one of the best in the county and that the Chief Constable had her plan as regards operational delivery and that the estate and fleet had to fit.  He noted that the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) was committed to not withdrawing from towns and villages, with coverage remaining to be able to deliver local policing, however it may look different to what existed now.  He gave an example being the floor space available within the Durham City Station at Elvet, and how best to retain presence within the city.

Deputy Chief Constable C Irvine explained that Government funding in this regard was decreasing, with it being £10million annually in the past, having reduced to zero by 2021.  He noted that capital was now funded via revenue or borrowing, and while the Force was in a strong position in terms of borrowing it would be important to maintain that strong position.

Councillor K Robson noted he was one the Local Members for Newton Aycliffe and asked as regards the presence within the town, noting the current arrangements two miles away on the ‘trading estate’, with a small presence in town itself.  He added that speaking to Councillors and the Local Sergeant, anti-social behaviour had increased 28 percent within the West Ward.  He noted that response appeared to be disappearing and asked what programme was in place as regards any replacement.  Deputy Chief Constable C Irvine noted that Councillor K Robson was correct in terms of the ongoing enquiries as regards the Fire Station, as well as bigger facilities at Glow Church.  He noted there were more Response Officers within Newton Aycliffe now, and that there was not a move to exit from Newton Aycliffe.  Councillor K Robson noted that, via the MP, he had enquired as regards former MoD properties, ideal for use by vehicles, and hopefully that could be an option.  He added that speaking to people in the town, they did not feel safe with the station being two miles away.

R Rodiss noted that the Panel had discussed the issues associated with the new Custody Suite and the impact that would be felt on areas such as Crook, Stanley and Durham City as result of consolidation and moves to Spennymoor.  He reiterated his previous comments as regards consolidation of investigators leading to them having no ‘ownership’ not being from within a particular area specifically.  He added he felt it was obvious that the station in Durham City would close, and that the Force was sleepwalking into centralisation.  He added previously there used to be 135 Officers working out of Newton Aycliffe, with that number being practically zero now.  He noted that within a town of around 35,000 people, he felt that it was not appropriate.  Deputy Chief Constable C Irvine noted that not all duties would be centralised, noting that only Bishop Auckland and Durham City CID were consolidated within the new Investigative Hub, with Stanley and Consett CID staying in their current locations, and with Darlington and Peterlee CID also staying in their current locations.  He noted the only centralised function was that of prisoner handling, adding that facilities at Bishop Auckland had been condemned via Inspection.  He noted that the Force was committed to retain local Neighbourhood Teams, including an additional 20 Neighbourhood Police Officers, with around 100 Officers now, and explained that changes were in order to be best placed to deliver services in our communities.

Councillor D Nicholls thanked the Deputy Chief Constable C Irvine and staff from the OPCC for arranging visits for the Panel to the new Investigative Hub, having been very informative for Members.  He noted that the new, higher-quality facility would be much improved, and help with morale, as well as being an area that was improved upon responding to inspections.  He added that it would be important to keep the Panel up-to-date in terms of draft estate policy, and welcomed the retention of local stations, such as at Framwellgate Moor.  Deputy Chief Constable C Irvine noted that the Estate Strategy was in development with the Chief Constable and the PCC and that further information would come back to the Panel accordingly.

L Hovvels welcomed the report, noting that many older facilities were indeed no longer fit-for-purpose, and that the visit to the new Investigative Hub had been very impressive.  She noted concern in terms of backlog in maintenance of some of the estate and funding required in that regard.  Deputy Chief Constable C Irvine noted that not all maintenance issues were due to legislative changes or dilapidation, some were simply ongoing maintenance, though some works required were due to changes in Fire Safety regulations.

The Chief of Staff, OPCC, Andrea Petty noted that in relation to Newton Aycliffe, the PCC had consulted with residents and had secured the facility within the Glow Church out of town, as well as within the town itself.  She reiterated that the issues raised would be noted and that there was activity in terms of looking for alternative premises.

Councillor K Robson noted the adage, the proof of the pudding was in the eating, and reiterated as regards a 21 percent increase in anti-social behaviour.  He noted boundary changes that would impact on the next Council election, with larger areas, and noted that visibility of Officers on the beat was important, with the sight of uniformed Officers having a preventative effect in terms of crime and anti-social behaviour.  The Chief of Staff, OPCC A Petty noted that Newton Aycliffe had been a trailblazer area and had, as a result, additional patrols within the area, including with Neighbourhood Wardens from the Local Authority.  She noted that in the period September to October anti-social behaviour had increased, and the Police would be able to look at hotspots to target those areas effectively.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.