To agree the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 24 September 2015, as a correct record

Resolved:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 24 September 2015, be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Any interests not already registered

Cllr. Dr. Canet  declared for Minute 29 – Community Grant Scheme Draft Allocations 2016/17 that she was a Member of Sevenoaks District Arts Council but would remain open minded.

Cllr. Esler  declared for Minute 29 – Community Grant Scheme Draft Allocations 2016/17 that she was Chair of Board of Governors at Dunton Green Primary School but would remain open minded.

Cllr. Raikes declared for Minute 29 – Community Grant Scheme Draft Allocations 2016/17 that she was a Member of Sevenoaks District Arts Council but would remain open minded.

The actions were noted.

The Portfolio Holder and Chairman of the Committee advised that

·         a new interim Head of Service for Economic  Development & Property had been appointed who would oversee a number of projects whilst assisting with the recruitment and selection of a new Head of Service;

·         the Police and Crime Commissioner had provided funding (£31K) for the Safety Community Partnership for 2016/17;

·         there was still time to attend Sevenoaks District Council’s (SDC) consultation drop in sessions in Swanley regarding the Swanley and Hextable Masterplan; and

·         he recently been the question-master for an online internet Safety quiz which involved an estimated 200 pupils from 16 schools across the District.  The schools had been able to interact with each other on line. The quiz was well received with £100 gift vouches awarded to the winners of the two quiz sessions.  All schools were given a £25 gift voucher for participating in the quiz.  There had been excellent feedback from participants.

After his announcements there followed a general discussion on dog fouling as Members were keen on targeting those dog owners who failed to clean up after their dogs had fouled.

There were none.

The Community Safety Manager presented a report on the work undertaken by the Community Development Officers for Dunton Green and the key aims of their action plan.

Members were updated on the projects/events already undertaken and future ideas.

Members praised the work undertaken by the Community Development Officers for Dunton Green as this was a good example of community development.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Resolved:  That the report of the work undertaken by the Community Development Officers for Dunton Green and the key aims of their action plan be noted.

The Chief Officer for Communities and Business presented a report on the draft Community Plan for the period 2016-19 which had been developed following a  comprehensive consultation with Members, residents, town and parish councils, a wide range of voluntary and community organisations and partner agencies.

Members’ views were sought in order to inform the final draft of the Community Plan.

It was agreed that the draft Communication Plan was an excellent, easy-to-read document.  One Member suggested that a shorter version also be made available.

In response to questions the Chief Officer for Communities and Business advised that health and voluntary organisations had been consulted when drafting the plan so the needs of mental health patients were represented.

In addition, Members were advised that although Visit Kent did not appear as one of the organisations that made up them Local Strategic Partnership, they would be heavily involved in the delivery of the “Dynamic Economy” section of the Community Plan.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Resolved:  That the draft Community Plan be noted.

The Community Safety Manager gave a presentation on the outcomes of the Strategic Assessment.

The Strategic Assessment used data from a variety of agencies which assisted the Community Safety Partnership in addressing local priorities.  The data was also used to draft the annual Community Safety Strategy and Action Plan.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Resolved:  That the presentation be noted.

The Community Safety Manager presented a report on the outcomes of the current 2015-16 strategy and action plan which addressed local priorities and enabled partner agencies to take actions forward.

The Community Safety Manager advised that the majority of priorities (roughly 83%) had achieved their targets and answered questions on those priorities not on target.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Resolved:  That the report be noted.

The Chief Officer for Communities and Business presented a report on the Community Grant Scheme draft allocations and summarised applications received by the Council from voluntary organisations for funding during 2016/17.  She advised Members that those organisations in receipt of a community grant were monitored to ensure that the funds were used in accordance with the purpose brief of each scheme.

The report was to be considered at Cabinet on 3 March 2016, and was for information.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Resolved: That the report be noted.

The work plan was noted and a Community Safety Annual Report added to the summer meeting.