Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Dr. Emma Ghaffari. Councillor Andrew Johnson attended as a substitute for Councillor Dr. Emma Ghaffari.

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

None.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 15 October 2024.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 15 October 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 Chief Inspector Paul Austin from Essex Police and Councillor Joel Charles, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection, on Clear, Hold and Build.

Chief Inspector Paul Austin advised the Committee that Clear, Hold, Build was a National Home Office initiative. He advised that “build” would be the hardest part of the scheme and would require a whole system approach that included community support at the heart. It was noted that the Stow was chosen for the initiative as it was a small area, there had been an uptake in crime recently and the Police were aware of gang activity.

The Committee noted that the Officers Operations Group would be working on a number of actions including; additional CCTV, repair work to street furniture, cleaning activity and security doors. It was agreed that the community needed to take ownership and that the Council would work with Essex Police to encourage the creation of a Resident’s Association.

The Committee noted that the “hold and build” model could be taken to other areas in the town if needed. It was also noted that local businesses needed to be supported to help build confidence.

It was suggested that an update be brought forward to the Scrutiny Committee in a year’s time to assess how well “hold and build” were going.

The Committee received the Performance and Finance report for August 2024.

The Committee noted that Councillor Hannah Ellis, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services and Transformation, was unfortunately unable to attend the meeting and sent her apologies.

The Committee noted that the report had already been discussed at Cabinet. The Committee suggested that the timetable for budget monitoring and performance reports needed to be looked at for future meetings.

The Committee noted that there was an ongoing issue with the appointment of a Chair for the Task and Finish group. Councillor Tony Edwards advised that he would address matter outside of the meeting.

Councillor Tony Durcan advised that the group met on 14 November 2024. The group looked at the business plan and received evidence from external consultants, Counter Culture. It was noted that the relevant Portfolio Holder had received more detailed information since the meeting.

The Committee noted that the group had amended the Terms of Reference and that these would come back to Committee for approval.

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

The Committee received a report summarising its work plan for 2024/25.

Councillor Tony Edwards advised that the meeting on 6 February 2024 may be moved to 4 February 2024. This would be discussed with officers and the Committee would be advised accordingly.

Councillor Tony Edwards also advised that there would be an additional meeting either on 25 March 2025 or 1 April 2025.

Finally, Councillor Tony Edwards advised, that to allow time for items to be discussed in sufficient depth, he has requested that eight Scrutiny meetings be scheduled for the 25/26 administrative year.

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.