CRAFFU : ADFYWIO AC AMDDIFFYN Y CYHOEDD
CRAFFU : ADFYWIO AC AMDDIFFYN Y CYHOEDD
2.30 pm DYDD MAWRTH, 1AF RHAGFYR, 2020 CYFARFOD X XXXX - TIMAU MICROSOFT
By Cynhelir Cyfarfod Cyn y Cyfarfod cyn y cyfarfod hwn ac anfonir gwahoddiad ar wahân gan Swyddogion Cymorth Craffu at Aelodau'r Pwyllgor yn unig
Noder bod cyfarfod heddiw’n cael ei recordio
Gellir y recordiad hwn ddarlledu ei ar fewnrwyd yr Awdurdod
Bydd pawb sy'n bresennol yn weladwy i'r camera a, thrwy xxxx mynychu yn cydsynio i xxxx xxxx ffilmio ac i'r posibilrwydd o yr awdurdod ddefnyddio'r delweddau a recordiadau xxxx hynny fel y soniwyd uchod.
Cafodd yr Agenda hwn ei baratoi gan yr Adran Gwasanaethau Democrataidd. Dylai unrhyw aelod o’r cyhoedd xxxx xxxxx gwybodaeth gysylltu â’r adran ar (01685 725284) neu e-bostio xxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx .
Gellir dod o hyd i unrhyw ddogfennau cyfeirio, y cyfeirir atynt ond nad ydynt yn cael eu cyhoeddi fel rhan o’r agenda hwn ar wefan neu mewnrwyd y Cyngor, o xxx Papurau Cefndir
AGENDA
1. Ymddiheuriadau am absenoldeb
2. Datgan buddiant (yn cynnwys datganiadau chwipio)
Atgoffir Aelodau o'u cyfrifoldeb personol i ddatgan
unrhyw fuddiant personol a niweidiol mewn perthynas â materion sydd wedi'u cynnwys yn yr agenda hon yn unol â darpariaethau Deddf Llywodraeth Leol a Cyllid 1992 sy'n ymwneud â Treth Cyngor, Deddf Llywodraeth Leol 2000, Cyfansoddiad y Cyngor a Chod Ymddygiad Aelodau.
Nodyn:
(a) Mae Aelodau yn cael eu hatgoffa bod rhaid iddynt nodi rhif eitem a’r mater xxx drafodaeth, a bod rhaid iddynt nodi natur y buddiant personol; a
(b) Lle mae aelod yn ymneilltuo o gyfarfod o ganlyniad i ddatgelu buddiant sy'n rhagfarnu rhaid hysbysu'r Cadeirydd pan fyddant yn gadael.
3. Ymddygiad Gwrthgymdeihasol – Canol y Dref
Ystyried adroddiad y Dirprwy Brif Weithredwr Dros Dro
5 - 16
4. Y Wybodaeth ddiweddaraf am Ymateb i Coronafeirws
I ystyried yr adroddiad amgaeëdig 17 - 20
5. Rhaglen Waith 2020-2021
I ystyried yr adroddiad amgaeëdig 21 - 32
6. Cyfeiriadau Craffu, Adborth a Gweithredu Dilynol
7. Myfyrio ar y Cyfarfod a'i Gwerthuso Derbyn diweddariad oddi wrth y Cadeirydd
8. Unrhyw fater arall y mae'r Cadeirydd yn ei ystyried yn bwysig
CYFANSODDIAD: Cynghorwyr: X Xxxxx (Cadeirydd)
X Xxxxx (Is-gadeirydd)
Cynghorwyr: X Xxxxxxx, X Xxxxxx, J Xxxxxx x X Xxxxxx
Aelodau cyfetholedig: X Xxxxxxx, X Xxxxxxx x X Xxxxx ynghyd â swyddogion priodol
Os byddai’n well gennych xxxx o’r agenda hwn mewn Iaith arall, cysylltwch a xxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx neu ffoniwch 01685 725284
Xxxxxx y dudalen hon yn wag yn fwriadol
Civic Centre, Castle Street, Merthyr Tydfil CF47 8AN
Main Tel: 00000 000000 xxx.xxxxxxx.xxx.xx
SCRUTINY COMMITTEE REPORT
Date Written | 17th November 2020 |
Report Author | Xxxx Xxxxx |
Service Area | Community Regeneration, Public Protection & Housing |
Committee Date | 1st December 2020 |
To: Chair, Ladies and Gentlemen
Anti-Social Behaviour – Town Centre
1.0
SUMMARY OF THE REPORT
1.1
The Committee requested a report be produced advising Committee Members of the latest status in relation to the Council’s activities regarding anti-social behaviour and substance misuse in the Town Centre.
1.2
Merthyr Tydfil Community Safety Team within the Community Safety Partnership and carry out work in conjunction with South Wales Police and other Partners in tackling Anti-Social Behaviour within the County Borough.
1.3
The report identifies that Anti-Social Behaviour has increased in the town centre by 81% for the period April 2020 to September 2020 compared to the same period for 2019.
1.4
In addressing these concerns and increase the Local Authority have begun a review of issues within the Town centre with a view to providing a strategic and tactical approach to resolving these issues.
1.5
A Safer Streets Home Office Grant has also been received to expand and introduce new crime prevention and detection initiatives within the town centre.
2.0
RECOMMENDATIONS
2.1
Committee Members receive the report and note its content.
2.2
Scrutiny Committee to offer any recommendations/feedback/observations to support the officers with future planning (where appropriate)
3.0 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
3.1 The Committee requested a report be produced advising Committee Members of the latest status in relation to the Council’s activities regarding anti-social behaviour and substance misuse in the Town Centre.
3.2 A report has been produced by our partners in South Wales Police detailing and comparing anti-social behaviour in the town centre between April – September 2019 and 2020. This is attached as Appendix 1 to this report.
3.3 Members will be aware that during this reporting period the town centre faced significant challenges from the COVID pandemic. The Castle Hotel was repurposed as facility for homelessness provision that resulted in some vulnerable residents with complex substance misuse issues located in the town centre.
3.4 During the lockdown; with less shoppers and visitors; anti-social behaviour in the town centre became more visible and attracted several social media posts relating to incidents.
3.5 In tackling Anti-Social Behaviour, Merthyr Tydfil Community Safety team use a four stage approach when dealing with perpetrators:
4.0 WHERE WE WERE
4.1 Figures for the relevant period showed:
Time Range | AN17 ASB – Environmental | AN18 ASB - Nuisance | AN19 ASB - Personal | Total ASB |
Apr to Sep 2019 | 6 | 124 | 34 | 164 |
Apr to Sep 2020 | 96 | 170 | 31 | 297 |
% Change | +1500.0% | +37.1% | -8.8% | +81.1% |
ASB is recorded in three categories.
ENVIRONMENTAL – which includes such thing as off-road biking, joy riding and issues affecting the environment
NUISANCE – where ASB is not strictly targeting an individual personally but is causing them issues.
PERSONAL – where ASB is targeted towards a person or persons. For example neighbour disputes which harassment, alarm or distress is being caused.
4.2 As part of our four stage approach the following actions were taken:
Community safety during this period have issued 161 ASB warning notices at a stage one level. In addition, for those not complying, 29 have been progressed the second stage warning level.
4.3 ASB related issue were discussed at Problem Solving Group Meetings where Senior Officers from across a range of agencies would discuss ASB related matters and plans of actions.
5.0 WHERE WE ARE NOW
5.1 In order to address the issues related to the town centre, a number of summit meetings have been held with both internal and external partners.
5.2 The meetings identified that a number of services are located within the town centre which support vulnerable residents with complex needs and, in some cases, have substance misuse issues. Our courts and probation services are also town centre based.
5.3 As a consequence of the location of these services, the Police have difficulty in utilising all their enforcement tools such as Criminal Behaviour Orders as they are unable to ban offenders from the town centre as there is a need for them to attend for access to these services.
5.4 The utilisation of the Castle Hotel for homelessness during the COVID pandemic has also contributed to an increase of perceived anti-social
behaviour, not necessarily by the residents but by associates who have congregated into the town centre. The Authority is under increasing pressure with homelessness and provision of accommodation.
5.5 There is a perception of under reporting of ASB and public mistrust in the 101 system.
5.6 All town centre CCTV cameras have been upgraded to new high definition quality.
5.7 The Community Safety Partnership were successful in obtaining a Home Office grant via the Safer Streets Funding. Additional CCTV cameras, a tannoy system and help points plus additional street lighting formed part of the successful bid.
6.0 WHERE WE WANT TO BE
6.1 Create a ‘one stop shop’ to support service users and remove the town centre as a focal point for these services.
6.2 Reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour through effective preventative and enforcement initiatives.
6.3 Dovetail town centre transformation projects with the reduction in anti- social behaviour and utilise opportunities to ‘design out crime’.
7.0 WHAT WE NEED TO DO NEXT
7.1 Continue the work that has commenced as a result of the town centre summits with consideration is being given to the co-location of multiple support agencies into one central ‘hub’, which would act as an assessment centre for those accessing criminal justice services, drug & alcohol services, housing and others.
7.2 Work smarter with partners in tackling ASB issues and utilising our powers effectively to explore the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order relating to street drinking.
7.3 Continue to promote the use of 101 and online platforms as reporting tools for anti-social behaviour.
7.4 Complete the Safer Street grant programme with the successful installation of CCTV, additional lighting, tannoy system and help points.
8.0 CONTRIBUTION TO WELLBEING OBJECTIVES
8.1 Community safety contributes to the wellbeing goals and the sustainable development principle.
8.2 Activities and reporting on community safety outcomes are captured across the Corporate Wellbeing Plan; with a primary focus on these appearing under the Working Life theme
XXXX XXXX
DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE / CHIEF OFFICER: COMMUNITY
REGENERATION; PUBLIC PROTECTION & HOUSING
COUNCILLOR XXXXXXX XXXXXX PORTFOLIO MEMBER: REGENERATION
& PUBLIC PROTECTION
BACKGROUND PAPERS | |||
Title of Document(s) | Document(s) Date | Document Location | |
List the Background documents which have been relied on in preparing the report. E.g. previous minutes of relevant committees | |||
Does the report contain any issue that may impact the Council’s Constitution? | |||
Xxxxxx y dudalen hon yn wag yn fwriadol
ASB - Merthyr Town
Mid Glamorgan BCU Apr – Sept 2019/20
Tudalen 11
OFFICIAL SWYDDOGOL
Date:
16/11/20
Intelligence Analyst:
Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx (Team leader)
Report Owner:
CI Xxxxx Xxxx
Classification:
OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE
CONTENTS
1. Executive Summary 3
2. Handling 3
3. Methodology 3
4. Analysis 3
5. Conclusion 7
6. Appendices… 8
OFFICIAL SWYDDOGOL OFFICIAL SENSITIVE
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A request was made by PS Xxxxxx Xxxxx to provide a breakdown of ASB occurrences in beat 0301 Merthyr Town centre for the period of April-Sept 20 compared to the same period in 2019. The information is to be used to inform the security panel meeting and should contain a breakdown of the ASB types.
2. HANDLING
This document is graded as OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE under the Government Security Classification (GSC) and must be handled accordingly. The report contains some personal details of victim and perpetrator and further dissemination must NOT take place without the prior consent of Report Owner.
3. METHODOLOGY
Performance provided a list of ASB occurrences for the period of April to September 2019/2020 based on reported date to initiate the research. The data was broken down to identify the category types below and provide a temporal understanding. BI was utilised to research perpetrators/victims and the BI covid tool for breaches.
1. AN17 ASB - Environmental
2. AN18 ASB – Nuisance
3. AN19 ASB – Personal
5. ANALYSIS
Overview:
Between April and Sept 20 Merthyr town beat 0301 saw an 81% (133) increase in ASB occurrences compared to the previous year. AN17 ASB Environmental saw the largest increase of 1500% (90), AN18 ASB Nuisance 37% (46) but AN19 ASB personal saw a 9% decrease (-3). The below table 1 illustrates above.
Table 1: ASB Categories (2020/19 compared)
Time Range | AN17 ASB - Environmental | AN18 ASB - Nuisance | AN19 ASB - Personal | Total ASB |
Apr to Sep 2019 | 6 | 124 | 34 | 164 |
Apr to Sep 2020 | 96 | 170 | 31 | 297 |
% Change | +1500.0% | +37.1% | -8.8% | +81.1% |
Whilst comparing the both periods trends appear similar but with a volume increase in 2020, peaks can be see April and July. See table 2 below ASB trends and table 3: ASB categories.
Table 2: ASB trends
ASB BEAT 0301 MERTHYR TOWN
2019-20 COMPARED
80
60
40
20
0
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
A2019
A2020
Table 3: ASB Categories
MERTHYR TOWN BEAT 0301
APR-SEPT 2020
60
40
20
0
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
AN17 ASB - Environmental 2020
AN18 ASB - Nuisance 2020
AN19 ASB - Personal 2020
The largest increase can be seen in the AN17 environment and AN18 Nuisance categories In 2020 with peaks seen in AN17 Environmental in April, May with AN18 nuisance in July. Covid related ASB has been recorded within the environmental and nuisance categories which has influenced the levels. Covid occurrences generally relate to breaches involving gathering, parties and social distancing issues. The BI covid tool shows there were 110 breaches (37%) recorded over the reporting period in 2020. See map in appendices 1 (Covid breaches).
Peaks and troughs have been clearly influenced by the National and Local lockdowns.
When
Temporal Analysis
Based on reported date April-Sept 2020 based on reported date/time temporal analysis shows Wed, Thurs and Sat as days when ASB is reported although there is no significant difference in the days other than a Sunday which has the lowest levels. See Table 4 below
OFFICIAL SWYDDOGOL OFFICIAL SENSITIVE
Title Aoristic Range Day Analysis
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
MON
TUE
WED
THU
Day of Week
FRI
SAT
SUN
Degree of Risk
Table 4: Days of the week.
Times show that the higher numbers of reports generally occur between 1200- 1800hrs and 19:00- 20:00hrs. See table 5 below.
Title Aoristic Range Time Analysis
35.0
30.0
25.0
20.0
15.0
10.0
5.0
0.0
Hour of Day
Degree of Risk
Table 5: Range time analysis
0000-0100
0100-0200
0200-0300
0300-0400
0400-0500
0500-0600
0600-0700
0700-0800
0800-0900
0900-1000
1000-1100
1100-1200
1200-1300
1300-1400
1400-1500
1500-1600
1600-1700
1700-1800
1800-1900
1900-2000
2000-2100
2100-2200
2200-2300
2300-0000
Where
A number of locations appear in the data linked to themed types over the reviewed period, a snapshot identifies below:
Begging/Homeless – High St, Tescos, Aldi.
Covid Breaches – Castle Street. Tescos, Twynrodyn. Off road bikes – Trefechan Taff trail, Twynrodyn.
Gatherings – Tescos
Who
Victims/ BI (Top ten)
There were 4 victims linked to 4 or more occurrences over the reviewed period which can be seen in
table 6 below victims.
REDACTED
Perpetrators BI (Top 10)
• REDACTED
6. CONCLUSION
The covid 19 pandemic appears to have impacted on ASB occurrences especially in the categories of AN17 Environmental and AN18 nuisance over the reviewed periods. Breaches which include gatherings, parties and social distancing appear in the occurrences. Themes identified includes begging, gatherings and covid breaches. The Lockdown periods (or end of) appear to have influenced comparative trends.
6. APPENDICES
Appendices 1: Covid breaches – Merthyr Town.
OFFICIAL SWYDDOGOL OFFICIAL SENSITIVE
Page 6 of 6
Civic Centre, Castle Street, Merthyr Tydfil CF47 8AN
Main Tel: 00000 000000 xxx.xxxxxxx.xxx.xx
SCRUTINY REPORT
Date Written | 20th November 2020 |
Report Author | Scrutiny Section |
Committee Division | Scrutiny |
Exempt/Non Exempt | Non Exempt |
Committee Date | 1st December 2020 |
To: Chair, Ladies and Gentlemen
Update on Council’s Response to Coronavirus Pandemic
1.0 PURPOSE OF THE REPORT
1.1 Members of the Regeneration and Public Protection Scrutiny Committee have requested a regular update report be introduced on the Council’s response to the coronavirus pandemic
2.0 RECOMMENDATION(S)
2.1 The Committee considers the attached update template (Appendix 1) which contains data and information on the response activities being delivered by officers across the Community Regeneration, Public Protection and Housing Services.
3.0 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
3.1 At the Regeneration and Public Protection Scrutiny meeting held on 13th October 2020; Committee Members requested an update report be provided on the Council’s response to Coronavirus at each meeting.
3.2 The Committee Chair confirmed that this information could be presented in template format; and that it should contain data and information updates relating to the services’ key response activities.
4.0 WHERE WE WERE
4.1 An initial report offering data/information on the Council’s response to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic on 22nd September 2020. The Committee reviewed the content of the report; and explored the activities impact on both the services delivery the support services, and communities across the County Borough.
4.2 On review of this report; Committee Members discussed the need to maintain an overview of this topic, and to scrutinise the impact of the response activities which the Community Regeneration, Public Protection and Housing services were delivering.
5.0 WHERE WE ARE NOW
5.1 At the subsequent Committee meeting held on 20th October 2020; it was confirmed the Committee sought to receive an update on activities at all subsequent meetings. This agenda item has now been added to the Committee’s Forward Work Programme as a standard agenda item.
5.2 Receiving regular update reports enables Committee Members to maintain an overview of both the progress made and the challenges faced by officers; whilst also enabling the voice/concerns of the public to be raised.
5.3 Following the meeting, it was agreed this report could be presented in template format which the Committee would review with officers, taking up a critical friend role.
6.0 WHAT WE NEED TO DO NEXT
6.1 Regeneration and Public Protection Scrutiny Committee Members will receive an updated report at each meeting. They will provide ‘critical friend’ challenge, and aim to work with officers to identify and drive any further improvements required.
Performance and Scrutiny Department MTCBC
BACKGROUND PAPERS | |||
Title of Document(s) | Document(s) Date | Document Location | |
Does the report contain any issue that may impact the Council’s Constitution? | No | ||
COMMUNITY REGENERATION, PUBLIC PROTECTION & HOUSING
Measure | Status at 29 September 2020 | Current Status | Notes / Comments | |
Council advice and support around business closures | 1,053 | 2,336 | +1,283 | |
Number of joint visits made by Environmental Health; Trading Standards and Licensing officers | 225 | 373 | +148 | |
Number of fixed penalty notices issued by the Council in relation to business closures/ social distancing | 0 | 37 | +37 | |
Transforming Towns Thematic Covid-19 response grant – percentage spent to date | Awarded: £365,000 | Spend to Date: £50,051 | -- | |
Local Sustainable Transportable Measures Covid-19 Fund – percentage spent to date | Awarded: £414,000 Spend to Date: £21,747 | Spend to Date: £42,675 | +£20,928 | |
Total number of support | (a) Number of Businesses: 1524 (b) Spend to date: £20,240,825 | Number of | Businesses | |
funding secured by businesses | Businesses: | supported: | ||
in Merthyr Tydfil with total value | 2288 Spend to date: £22,449,264 | +764 Spend to date: +£2,208,439 | ||
Number of households in temporary accommodation (as at w/c 09.11.20) | 109 TOTAL: 65 x B&B 9 x HMO 4 x Private Lease 31 x other supported TA | Homelessness presentation continue to increase | Households in B&B +24 | |
Total funding secured to enable | £1,615,042 | £867,616 MMC | See comments | |
provision of intensive support | x 8 units MVH | below | ||
for Phase 2 of Recovery | £40k PRS | |||
project 2 x 1 | ||||
bed flats | ||||
£678,326 | ||||
additional 5 x | ||||
MMC units with | ||||
MVH | ||||
£37,100 | ||||
regional | ||||
outreach project | ||||
led by RCT |
Highlights since last reporting period:
• | Reallocation of approx. £700K of Welsh Government Phase 2 funding originally designated for conversion of Neighbourhood Learning Centre, now being considered for additional 6 modular homes with Merthyr Valley Homes. To be sited on Gurnos Estate. Awaiting Welsh Government approval. Neighbourhood Learning Centre proposal withdrawn as project cannot be delivered by 31st March 2020. Alternative funding stream (possibly ICF) to be considered for this project at a future date. Plans for Private Landlord project at Trevethick Street– conversion of 2 bed house into 2 x 1 bed flats now submitted to Planning Department. Objections received from residents. Await planning decision to confirm whether project will proceed. £40k Welsh Government Phase 2 funding at risk if project cannot complete. Both projects form part of Covid 19 homelessness exit strategy. |
• | Significant cutback of vegetation on town centre path to ensure adequate footway widths to aid social distancing. |
• | Introduction of permanent bollards on lower High Street to restrict vehicular access and improve the pedestrian environment. |
• | A further increase in the level of finance support to businesses. |
Civic Centre, Castle Street, Merthyr Tydfil CF47 8AN
Main Tel: 00000 000000 xxx.xxxxxxx.xxx.xx
SCRUTINY REPORT
Date Written | 20th November 2020 |
Report Author | Scrutiny Section |
Committee Division | Scrutiny |
Exempt/Non Exempt | Non Exempt |
Committee Date | 1st December 2020 |
To: Chair, Ladies and Gentlemen
Forward Work Programme 2020/21
1.0 PURPOSE OF THE REPORT
1.1 To provide the Scrutiny Committee with its draft work programme for consideration and to prepare in advance of the next scrutiny committee meeting.
1.2 To remind Scrutiny Committee members that they need to consider the requirements of the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 in all aspects of scrutiny work.
2.0 RECOMMENDATION(S)
2.1 The Committee considers the attached Draft Forward Work Programme and approves, revises or amends it as deemed appropriate; and to consider the questions at 3.7 in planning for the next meeting.
3.0 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
3.1 The attached draft forward work programme identifies the topics and issues under consideration by the Scrutiny Committee and allows an opportunity for additional subjects to be identified and included on the programme.
3.2 Scrutiny committees are required to prepare and keep under review a programme for their future work. By reviewing and prioritising issues, members are able to ensure that the work programme delivers a member-led agenda.
3.3 The Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 requires each Public Service Board (PSB) and Council to work with their communities to develop local objectives. Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council (MTCBC) and the Cwm Taf PSB have acted on this.
3.4 MTCBC has four local Wellbeing Objectives, each having clear outcomes that will help the Council to respond to local community needs and contribute to the seven national wellbeing goals. The four Wellbeing Objectives are:-
BS Best Start to Life - Children and young people get the best start to life and are equipped with the skills they need to be successful learners and confident individuals. The key outcomes for Best Start to Life are: • Children live in a nurturing and stimulating home environment • Children have access to high quality pre-school and school education • Improve the educational outcomes for all children and young people • Children and young people have good health and wellbeing |
WL Working Life - People feel supported to develop the skills required to meet the needs of businesses, with a developing, safe infrastructure which makes Merthyr Tydfil as an attractive destination. The key outcomes for Working Life are: • Merthyr Tydfil realises its full economic potential, with a skilled workforce and better employment opportunities; • People value and enjoy the built and natural environment, protecting and enhancing our cultural assets for current and future generations; • We have strong, resilient and supportive communities where people take responsibility for their own actions and how they affect others. |
EW Environmental Wellbeing - Communities protect, enhance and promote our environment and countryside. The key outcomes for Environmental Wellbeing are: • Environmental damage is minimised by preventing pollution • To maximise the amount of materials and resources recycled in line with the waste hierarchy; • Merthyr Tydfil has good quality, biodiverse and connected green infrastructure and open spaces; and • The use of renewable and low carbon energy is increased. |
LW Living Well - People are empowered to live independently within their communities, where they are safe and enjoy good physical and mental health. The key outcomes for Living Well are: • People live safe and independent lives within their communities • Children and adults are safeguarded from harm and feel safe • Children and young people live safely with their family or close to home and have transitioned well into adulthood. |
3.5 The Scrutiny Committee is encouraged to identify issues that reflect these priorities that are within your remit and/or are a priority for local people and communities. If a matter is a recurring issue for the people you, as Councillors, represent, the likelihood is that it is something that the Committee should consider. The more relevant the issue is to local communities then the greater the likelihood of engaging those communities in the scrutiny process and of producing outcomes that will be visible to those communities you represent.
3.6 MTCBC has developed an ‘Our Shared Vision’ document (Appendix I). This makes the connections from the seven national Wellbeing Goals through to the local objectives and political priorities. This document is contained within one page and acts as an easy to understand guide. When considered with service area strategies and operational plans a thread is created that can be extended down to individual tasks. This helps staff members see how they are contributing to the Act and the ‘Wales We Want’, and will assist Scrutiny members better understand the connections with the Act.
3.7 The work programme is a dynamic document and is reviewed at every meeting of the Committee to ensure that its contents are still relevant and will add value to what the Council and partners are doing. At each meeting the committee will agree the agenda items for their next meeting and in preparation may in advance wish to ask itself the following questions.
Q) Why has the item been placed on a Scrutiny Work Programme?
a. Does this item/ topic contribute to the delivery of the Council’s wellbeing objectives?
b. Does this item/ topic contribute to the delivery of the Council’s corporate priorities/ objectives?
c. Is this item/ topic relating to service performance concerns?
d. Is this item/ topic of significant public interest?
e. Does the item/ topic have any budgetary implications?
f. Is this an item/ topic where Xxxxxxxx involvement will make a significant difference and achieve tangible outcomes?
g. Can effective Scrutiny of this issue be delivered from within available resources?
Q) What is the specific role of the Committee?
This will depend on the item – for example the role could be:
a. to determine if performance levels are acceptable in relation to a particular department;
b. to determine if a specific policy is fit for purpose;
c. to satisfy itself that the Authority is working well with its partners in tackling a major issue;
d. to gather the views of specific stakeholders as part of an on-going scrutiny investigation/ review;
e. to explore possible solutions to an issue.
Q) What outcome is the Committee seeking from the consideration of this item?
a. To comment on the proposed budget and make suggestions to cabinet regarding the proposed budget’s ability to deliver the priorities of the council
b. Identification of any causes for concern and note successes.
c. To receive an overview presentation.
d. To gain an understanding of and to comment on a policy/ strategy
e. To explore ideas around the setting of budgets while considering the pressures facing each service. This also helps provide an overview of the policy frame work.
f. For the scrutiny committee to gain an overview and refresh their knowledge of the wellbeing objectives/ other plan/ other strategy.
g. Improvement in service delivery
Q) What information does the Committee need to fulfil this role/ achieve this outcome?
What is the Committee trying to do? You might be trying to do some or all of the following i.e. establish facts; gather opinions; or explore new ideas/ solutions.
Q) Who should be invited to the meeting to provide the information?
Depending on the information you need you might want to hear from a range of witnesses – e.g. Cabinet members, Senior Officers, Service users, and External partners – e.g. Police, Strategic Partners etc
Q) Does the Committee need to ask for written representations?
The Committee may wish to pose some questions to the Directorate/ Cabinet Member/ External Partner etc. prior to the meeting. This may help in instances when the Committee is looking for something specific to be addressed. This will assist whoever is attending to ensure that they have the information/ answer ready for the meeting.
Q) Which meeting format/ venue would be most appropriate for the item and for the witnesses that will be invited to attend?
Due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 global pandemic, all scrutiny committees are to be held via Microsoft Teams at least for the time-being. This decision has been taken to ensure the safety of our members, officers and all others in attendance. Currently, there is no clear indication of when hybrid meetings will be appropriate; and this will be reviewed in line with any updates and advice from U.K. and Welsh Government.
Even under normal circumstances, meetings do not have to be held in a formal committee room environment. You may wish to hold occasional meetings in community location settings e.g. community centres, sports facilities etc. It depends on the subject. Some people find the formal setting intimidating. Site visits for example may be more appropriate to see first-hand what the committee is investigating/ obtaining information on e.g. waste sites, regeneration projects etc.
Q) Method of Scrutiny?
Once Members have identified the matters they wish to scrutinise, consideration should be given to scoping the subject in more detail including the timing and method of scrutiny to be used. Support in this process will be given by the Scrutiny and Support Manager and Officer. Members may wish to:
a. Consider an item at a single meeting;
b. Consider an item over a series of meetings;
c. Allocate the work to a small working group of Members (Task & Finish group) to investigate the issue over a period of 2-3 months (this may involve visits to see how services are working in practice);
d. Undertake an Inquiry Day (or days);
e. Undertake joint scrutiny with members of another Scrutiny Committee;
f. Invite expert witnesses to give their views;
g. Seeking the views of service users/ carers and/ or the general public (public calls for evidence)
Performance and Scrutiny Department MTCBC
BACKGROUND PAPERS | |||
Title of Document(s) | Document(s) Date | Document Location | |
Statement of Wellbeing & Focus on the Future: Wellbeing in our Community | 4th April 2018 | Full Council 4th April 2018 | |
Does the report contain any issue that may impact the Council’s Constitution? | No | ||
APPENDIX I
Overarching Item | Cabinet Member & Officer(s) | Scrutiny Focus | |
29th September 2020 | Draft Committee Work Programme 2020/21 | • Committee Chair • Scrutiny Committee Members | The Committee to discuss the draft Work Programme and make any required adjustments to this in order to agree its content and sign off the Work Programme for 2019-2020. |
Coronavirus Update – Response and Transition to Recovery | • Cabinet Member – Regeneration & Public Protection • Chief Officer – Community Regeneration; Public Protection & Housing • Head of Housing & Economic Development • Head of Protection & Safety Services | Scrutiny and Challenge: Local councils have faced unprecedented events during 2020 as a result of the pandemic and, more specifically, the impact of the prolonged period of lockdown. With a specific focus on the areas of Community/Economic Regeneration; Protection and Safety Services and Housing; the Committee seeks a report that will enable them to review how these specific service areas within the Council have responded to pre-existing and emerging needs resulting from the prolonged period of lockdown; and how it has worked differently to manage/mitigate identified risks/issues specifically linked to these. The report should reflect on what outcomes were achieved, whether opportunities were identified and acted upon and what lessons have been learned; showing how these will be used to take the next required steps supporting recovery in both the immediate and longer-term. | |
20th October 2020 | Housing & Homelessness | • Cabinet Member – Regeneration & Public Protection • Chief Officer – Community Regeneration; Public Protection & Housing • Head of Housing & Economic Development • Head of Protection & Safety Services | Scrutiny and Challenge: The Committee has requested a report be provided to review the Council’s provision of Housing and Homelessness services. The Committee request the report contains information on the following elements: • The most recent available data in relation to homelessness; • The recent changes to Welsh Government housing/homelessness legislation and the implications of these on the Council’s services; • Details on how services have had to adapt to meet requirements of the coronavirus and the impact of these changes; • Housing/homelessness in the Town Centre – an overview of the current status and the related issues which arise from this (this would lead on to the ASB/Substance Misuse and the Town Centre report which is also on your Work Programme). Additionally; the Committee seeks an update on the current status of the Council’s plans for the Winter Night Shelter showing how recent events have been impacted on the planning of this. |
Tudalen 27
1st December 2020 | Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)/Substance Misuse in the Town Centre | • Cabinet Member – Regeneration & Public Protection • Chief Officer – Community Regeneration; Public Protection & Housing • Head of Housing & Economic Development • Head of Protection & Safety Services | Scrutiny and Challenge: The Committee requests a report be produced advising Committee Members of the latest status in relation to the Council’s activities regarding anti-social behaviour and substance misuse in the Town Centre. The report will include: • The latest data into the number of instances of anti-social behaviour within the Town Centre; • A breakdown of the types of ASB incidents being reported; • The number of ASB letters being issued by the Council; • An overview of the instances where, following investigation of a complaint, substance misuse is found to be a key factor in relation to ASB incidents being reported; • An overview of the actions being taken to address these issues; including a breakdown of any projects or targeted activities to support improvements in this area. The Committee also wishes the report to reflect the impact the recent and current local lockdowns have had on the issues; and how the pandemic has affected how services are delivered. |
Update on Response to Coronavirus Pandemic | • Cabinet Member – Regeneration & Public Protection • Chief Officer – Community Regeneration; Public Protection & Housing • Head of Housing & Economic Development • Head of Protection & Safety Services | Overview and Scrutiny: The Committee requests a short update be presented at each Committee meeting providing them with key information on the ongoing response activities in relation to the ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic. By receiving regular updates; the Committee can maintain an overview of progress made and the challenges faced; whilst enabling the voice/concerns of the public to be raised. Committee Members will provide ‘critical friend’ challenge, and aim to work with officers to identify and drive any further improvements required. | |
Draft Committee Work Programme 2020/21 | • Committee Chair • Scrutiny Committee Members | To review the items due to be presented at the next Committee meeting, ensuring a clear brief of the Committee’s expectations are available to report authors who will be drafting the report. |
Tudalen 28
19th January 2021 | Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence* | • Cabinet Member – Regeneration & Public Protection • Chief Officer – Community Regeneration; Public Protection & Housing • Head of Protection & Safety Services • Representative from Safer Merthyr Xxxxxx | Xxxxxxxx and Challenge: The Committee acknowledges the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have been a difficult and worrying time for everyone; particularly so for adults and children living with abuse, and the professionals working hard to support them. The Committee requests a report be produced outlining the current status re: domestic abuse and sexual violence across the County Borough along with information on the status for the wider Cwm Taf Region. Current information should be presented and contextualised against the pre-Covid 19 status, enabling the Committee to establish the impact of the extraordinary circumstances. The Committee would also seek to identify the different ways of working which support provides have had to adopt in order to provide targeted to support to those at risk of harm; safeguarding them. |
Update on Response to Coronavirus Pandemic | • Cabinet Member – Regeneration & Public Protection • Chief Officer – Community Regeneration; Public Protection & Housing • Head of Housing & Economic Development • Head of Protection & Safety Services | Overview and Scrutiny: The Committee requests a short update be presented at each Committee meeting providing them with key information on the ongoing response activities in relation to the ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic. By receiving regular updates; the Committee can maintain an overview of progress made and the challenges faced; whilst enabling the voice/concerns of the public to be raised. Committee Members will provide ‘critical friend’ challenge, and aim to work with officers to identify and drive any further improvements required. | |
Draft Committee Work Programme 2020/21 | • Committee Chair • Scrutiny Committee Members | To review the items due to be presented at the next Committee meeting, ensuring a clear brief of the Committee’s expectations are available to report authors who will be drafting the report. |
Tudalen 29
23rd February 2021 | Subsidised Bus Services and the City Deal Metro programme | • Cabinet Member – Regeneration & Public Protection • Chief Officer – Community Regeneration; Public Protection & Housing • Head of Housing & Economic Development • Head of Protection & Safety Services | Overview and Scrutiny: Following queries and comments received from community members across the County Borough; the Committee seeks to open a discussion with officers around the current arrangements in relation to the subsidised bus services covering the public transport network. The report should include detail on: • the process used to secure sufficient; affordable and quality bus services for communities to use and access; • an overview of the allocation of funding to this process to ensure best value and a description of how this has changed over time; • an assessment regarding whether best value is being achieved from contracts/agreements; and • how the proposed network development linked to the South Wales Metro aims to further improve the public transport network across the County Borough and beyond. |
Update on Response to Coronavirus Pandemic | • Cabinet Member – Regeneration & Public Protection • Chief Officer – Community Regeneration; Public Protection & Housing • Head of Housing & Economic Development • Head of Protection & Safety Services | Overview and Scrutiny: The Committee requests a short update be presented at each Committee meeting providing them with key information on the ongoing response activities in relation to the ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic. By receiving regular updates; the Committee can maintain an overview of progress made and the challenges faced; whilst enabling the voice/concerns of the public to be raised. Committee Members will provide ‘critical friend’ challenge, and aim to work with officers to identify and drive any further improvements required. | |
Draft Committee Work Programme 2020/21 | • Committee Chair • Scrutiny Committee Members | To review the items due to be presented at the next Committee meeting, ensuring a clear brief of the Committee’s expectations are available to report authors who will be drafting the report. |
Tudalen 30
13th April 2021 | Crucible Project & the developing Special Purpose Vehicle | Scrutiny & Challenge: Reports received by the Committee previously on this topic have offered Committee Members an insight on the early stages of planning; key project strands and demonstrated the connectivity within this large-scale heritage, culture and destination development project. The Committee seeks a report containing a full status update; along with key aspects of the project (scope; cost; timescales; key partners; benefits/dis-benefits etc.). The Committee would also seek to develop their understanding of the requirements of any developing Special Purpose Vehicle mechanism – a component which was previously outlined as a key consideration of this project. | |
Update on Response to Coronavirus Pandemic | • Cabinet Member – Regeneration & Public Protection • Chief Officer – Community Regeneration; Public Protection & Housing • Head of Housing & Economic Development • Head of Protection & Safety Services | Overview and Scrutiny: The Committee requests a short update be presented at each Committee meeting providing them with key information on the ongoing response activities in relation to the ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic. By receiving regular updates; the Committee can maintain an overview of progress made and the challenges faced; whilst enabling the voice/concerns of the public to be raised. Committee Members will provide ‘critical friend’ challenge, and aim to work with officers to identify and drive any further improvements required. | |
Draft Committee Work Programme 2020/21 | • Committee Chair • Scrutiny Committee Members | To review the items due to be presented at the next Committee meeting, ensuring a clear brief of the Committee’s expectations are available to report authors who will be drafting the report. |
Tudalen 31
Additional Topics for Review | ||
To be discussed | Xxxxxx Master Plan | Public awareness around the proposed development of the Xxxxxx site is growing and people are keen to find out more about what is being discussed, what impact any development would have on the people living in the areas around the Xxxxxx site as well as to find out what role the Council will play in this. This development is understood to align with the ongoing development of the Cardiff and the Regions City Deal Offer and the Committee would seek to explore key requirements; how the connections noted would |
To be discussed | Violent Crime: Sexual Violence | The Committee has requested a report on this topic, which would include both local and national data on sexual violence. The report should outline the impact of sexual violence on citizens (i.e.) STIs; pregnancies; impact on mental health and offer basic detail on the support structure available for victims both at the time incidents occur and in the longer-term. |
Tudalen 32