Issue - meetings

A number of options are set out for consideration regarding a review of community safety, including CCTV provision.

A scoping report was taken to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the 29 August 2019. A copy of this report and associated annexes is included in the Part 2 items on the agenda.

The joint report of the Director of Central Services and the Director of Street Scene, Leisure and Technical Services set out a number of options for consideration regarding a review of community safety and the provision of CCTV.

Representatives from Kent Police and Clarion Housing attended the meeting and gave examples of partnership working to demonstrate the value of the Community Safety Unit (CSU) and CCTV in addressing crime and disorder.   Members discussed the value of ‘live’ monitoring as opposed to ‘passive’ monitoring, the potential for new technologies to monitor in a different way and the financial and value for money implications of retaining the operation.   The role of the CSU in addressing crime and disorder was also discussed.

RECOMMENDED:  That, in respect of CCTV: 

(1)          the operation be retained at its current level; and

(2)          the Borough Council write to the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner and the Chief Executive of Clarion Housing Group regarding the level of financial contribution towards the operation of CCTV.

*Referred to Cabinet

RECOMMENDED:  That, in respect of the Community Safety Partnership:

(1)          growth to the Borough Council’s budget be accepted and the provision of the Community Safety Services be retained at the current level of resource; and

(2)          the Borough Council write to the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner and the Chief Executive of Clarion Housing Group regarding the level of financial contribution and general support towards the operation of the Community Safety Unit.

*Referred to Cabinet