To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Partnership Panel held on 27 January 2022.

RESOLVED:   That the Minutes of the meeting held on 27 January 2022 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The Chair advised that no updates had been identified in advance of the meeting.

The following questions/issues have been raised in advance of the meeting:

(1)         E-Scooters (Aylesford and Hadlow Parish Councils)

(2)         Driving Standards (Aylesford Parish Council)

(3)         Community Safety Unit – General Update (West Malling Parish Council)

(4)         What arrangements are made for the cover of Police Community Support Officers when off for a long period of time? (Hildenborough Parish Council)

(5)         What arrangements are in place for regular visits to parishes and communities by Police Community Support Officers and Police (Hadlow Parish Council)

(6)         Anti-social behaviour (Hadlow Parish Council)

A presentation will be provided by Alison Finch, Safer and Stronger Communities Manager.

Inspector Lizzie Jones of Kent Police and Councillor Des Keers, Cabinet Member for Community Services will be in attendance to aid the discussion.

Alison Finch, Safer and Stronger Communities Manager, and Inspector Lizzie Jones of Kent Police provided detailed PowerPoint presentations in response to the following issues/questions which had been raised in advance of the meeting by Aylesford, Hadlow, Hildenborough and West Malling parish councils:-

(1)         E-scooters (Aylesford and Hadlow)

(2)         Driving Standards (Aylesford)

(3)         Community Safety Unit – General Update (West Malling)

(4)         What arrangements are made for the cover of Police Community Support Officers when off for a long period of time? (Hildenborough)

(5)         What arrangements are in place for regular visits to parishes and communities by PCSOs and Police? (Hadlow)

(6)         Anti-Social Behaviour (Hadlow)

Inspector Jones’s presentation detailed Kent Police current crime levels compared to 2019 (pre-pandemic).  This showed that Tonbridge and Malling district had achieved the greatest crime reduction in Kent from an already-low base.  The presentation detailed the CSU’s services including its approach to problem solving, vulnerability and rural crime.  Kent Police’s latest official communication, from ACC Ayling, regarding PCSO numbers was referenced.

In response to a supplementary comment from Hadlow PC regarding the lack of a visible presence of both PCSOs and the Police within the parish Inspector Jones expressed the hope that the current, national, recruitment campaign would lead to an increase in the number of Police Officers within the year.

A number of Members commented on the need to encourage communities to report incidents to the Police, who could only act on matters that they were aware of.  Inspector Jones stated that she understood and appreciated the effect crime could have on individuals but the Police had limited resources which had to be allocated where the most harm was being done.  Attention was drawn to the services provided by the CSU and, in particular, the work undertaken by Michele Leak, the Anti-Social Behaviour Officer.  In response to comments on the increased incidence of fly-tipping, the Panel was advised that this issue would be included on the agenda for the Panel meeting to be held on 1 September 2022.

The Cabinet Member for Community Services, Des Keers, offered to contact the Police and Crime Commissioner and invite him to attend a future meeting of the Panel to address the issues raised in respect of General Policing and Anti-Social Policing and, in particular, enforcement powers and the availability of funding.

The presentation provided by the Safer and Stronger Communities Manager is attached as an annex to these Minutes.

The Panel to be updated on the current progress and latest timetable.

The Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure, Councillor Dave Davis, provided an update on the Local Plan, outlined the current position and stressed the importance of the Plan to every resident within the Borough and outlined the timetable for consultation and submission to the Secretary of State.  He drew attention to the contribution which could be made by parish and town councils, particularly in respect of the Regulation 18 Consultation to be undertaken in August to October 2022.  It was noted that the Local Plan would be included as an item on every Panel agenda. 

To consider any other issues raised at the meeting.  Any answers, actions and/or outcomes may be provided at the next meeting of the Parish Partnership Panel.

The Democratic Services Officer provided an update on the items included in the Panel’s Forward Plan and reminded the Panel of the dates and arrangements for its meetings in the current municipal year.