The Chief Officer Communities and Business presented a report on the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (the Act) which had received Royal Assent on 13 March 2014 and would start to take effect from 20th October 2014.  It replaced nineteen pre-existing measures with six new measures for tackling anti-social behaviour and providing protection for victims and communities.  She reported that the Civil Injunction power would not be in place until Spring 2015, until then it was still possible to use Anti Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs).

The Portfolio Holder for Housing & Community Safety advised that the Advisory Committee had received a presentation at their previous meeting, and reported that the Committee had been keen on the proposed Member level involvement with Community Trigger arrangements.

In response to a concern raised, the Chief Officer Communities and Business confirmed that the Council would only move forward with sanctions under the new powers if in each case they were justified, necessary and proportionate, For those powers taken forward by the Council, appropriate evidence would be provided and the Portfolio Holder and local members would be consulted.  Members were keen that Member level involvement be more clearly identified in the recommendations.  Additional wording was added to the recommendations before Cabinet and it was

Resolved:  That

a)        the new powers available to the Council be noted;

b)        delegations to Officers be approved as follows:

i)     to the Chief Officer Communities & Business to authorise the Council’s actions under the Act with reference to Civil Injunctions, Criminal Behaviour Orders, Public Spaces Protection Orders, Closure Notices and Closure Orders and the Community Trigger

ii)   to the Chief Officer Environmental and Operational Services to authorise the Council’s actions under the Act relating to Community Protection Notices and the power to enforce penalty notices (£75) for dropping litter from a vehicle;  

c)         Community Trigger arrangements, as set out in paragraph 15 and Appendix A to the report be approved; and

d)        in cases that are led by the Council, the delegated powers would be used subject to local Members and the Portfolio Holder being consulted.