Agenda item

To set out to the Committee the proposed priorities for the Public Protection Service for 2019/20 and to seek agreement on those priorities as well as the outline work plan to deliver against the identified priority area. These key documents have been developed to inform and direct our proactive project, intervention and enforcement activities as part of our adaptation of the National Intelligence Model.

The Committee considered the report (Agenda Item 9) which set out the proposed priorities for the Public Protection Service for 2019/20 and which sought agreement from Members of those priorities. Approval was also sought of the outline work plan to deliver against identified priority areas.

These key documents had been developed to inform and direct the proactive project, intervention and enforcement activities as part of the Public Protection Partnership (PPP) adaptation of the National Intelligence Model.

Sean Murphy explained that the service and the formation of its priorities were predominantly led by local need. An annual analysis was conducted of all external inputs to the service from residents and businesses. Alongside this, national policy issues would be reflected locally where appropriate.

Sean Murphy acknowledged the point that the different local authorities had different key issues and this was why a range of priorities had been proposed.

Climate Change/Environmental Protection had been identified as an emerging issue and potential additional cross cutting theme. Sean Murphy circulated a diagram to Members outlining what this would hopefully achieve (attached to these minutes). This would include:

·         A continuation of air pollution monitoring.

·         Greater level of engagement with the planning and transport policy process.

·         A requirement for Energy Performance Certificates.

Much of the work was already within the work programme and considered business as usual, however Sean proposed that this theme became a cross cutting priority as it would help pull together the different pieces of activity. It was felt that this could replace the eCrime cross cutting priority as this could be managed as a standalone project.

Councillor John Harrison felt it would be useful to be able to identify buildings where action was needed to become more energy efficient. He suggested that this be aided by the production of an aerial scan/map if possible. Sean Murphy agreed to explore the potential of doing so.

Councillor James Cole felt this was a useful suggestion and also gave his support to the proposal for a cross cutting theme on Climate Change/Environmental Protection. He looked forward to seeing greater detail. Sean Murphy stated that this would be provided.

Councillor Chris Bowring queried the legal requirements for landlords in terms of energy performance and efficiency. Sean Murphy explained that the energy efficiency of buildings should be displayed or made available, in particular for people buying or renting private properties. Energy efficiency had to be proven.

Sean Murphy went on to explain that this cross cutting priority of the JPPC would serve as the umbrella for the range of activity undertaken in local areas including enforcement. Councillor Hilary Cole agreed that the priority needed to align with local level environmental needs and priorities.

Sean Murphy clarified that the role of the JPPC was to provide a strategic oversight over climate change issues. Decisions on specific issues, carbon emissions given as an example, would be matters for the relevant area Licensing Committee.

Councillor John Porter agreed with the need for this cross cutting priority. However, he highlighted the importance of concentrating efforts on a range of priorities that would benefit the health and wellbeing of communities and residents, including the most vulnerable. Sean Murphy felt that the proposed priorities did give regard to the safeguarding and protection of vulnerable people. He added his view that the proposals would cover the activity of the PPP and there was much interconnectivity between them.

Councillor Hilary Cole noted that the PPP Priorities document was high level and would sit above more detailed action plans. Performance needed to be measured against action plans for all these priorities and cross cutting themes.

Councillor Hilary Cole then proposed acceptance of the report’s recommendations subject to the amendment to replace the eCrime cross cutting priority with Climate Change/Environmental Protection. This was agreed by the JPPC.

RESOLVED that:

·         The overarching themes identified in the Inter Authority Agreement remained relevant and should be retained.

·         The functional priorities and cross cutting priorities set out at Appendix D informed service delivery for the coming year, subject to Climate Change/Environmental Protection replacing eCrime as a cross cutting priority. Further detail would be provided on this.

·         The draft Work Plan at Appendix E would form the preventative, information gathering and enforcement activities of the Public Protection Service for the coming year.

·         Sean Murphy would explore the potential of producing an aerial scan/map to help identify buildings where action was needed to become more energy efficient.