Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mark Ingall and Stacy Seales. Councillor James Griggs was in attendance as substitute for Councillor Ingall.

To receive Councillors’ declarations of interest (if any) in relation to any matters on the agenda.

Councillor Matthew Saggers declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 8 as a School Governor at SFG.

Councillor Mike Garnett declared a non-pecuniary interest in the same item as a member of the Essex Police and Crime Panel.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 3 September 2024.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 3 September 2024 are agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

None.

To receive any questions from members of the public in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.

None.

To receive any questions from Councillors in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.

None.

To consider responses (if any) of the Cabinet to reports and recommendations from the Committee.

None.

The Committee received presentations from Councillor Joel Charles, as Portfolio Holder for Public Protection, as well as Chief Inspector Paul Austin from Essex Police.

RESOLVED that:

A    All officers and elected members complete Southend Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Board (SETDAB) ‘Domestic Abuse Basic Awareness’ training as a mandatory requirement every 2 years.

B    A full review, updating exercise and subsequent relaunch of the council’s Domestic Violence and Abuse Policy for employees becompleted within a six-month period.

C    In addition to recommendation B, the council will develop and publish a stand-alone Domestic Abuse Policy setting out how the council will respond when it is made aware of an incident, is approached by a member of the public, or obtains a disclosure from another part of the community that warrants further action, alongside supporting an investigation by the relevant policing or criminal justice body. This new policy will complement the overarching direction set out in the council’s existing Community Safety Strategy, which will be updated once the Domestic Abuse Policy is finalised and formally adopted. The aim will be to have the new policy in place within a six-month period.

The Committee received a report on the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Framework.

RESOLVED that the Committee acknowledged the consultation processes already undertaken and planned and provide comment on the initial draft Homelessness and Rough Sleeping framework, attached as Appendix 1 to the report, ahead of public consultation.

Councillor Jake Shepherd said that the consultation on the Climate Change Strategy had started.

It was noted that the next meeting of the group was Tuesday 5 November.

It was noted that the next meeting was on Tuesday 29 October.

To review the Committee’s work plan for the current year.

The Committee received a report summarising its work plan. It agreed to add a review of sports facilities and play pitches and would look at extending its work plan into 2025/26.

RESOLVED that the work plan be noted.

None.

Such other business which, in the opinion of the Chair, should be received as a matter of urgency by reason of special circumstances to be specified in the minutes.

None.