CAMBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL

 

To: Councillors Adigun-Harris, Barrett-Payton, Boyce, Bradnack, Cantrill, Durrant, James, Phillips and Ward (Chair).

 

Alternate member:  Councillor Taylor

 

The Leader (Executive Councillor for Strategy) - Ian Nimmo-Smith

 

 (To be despatched and placed on public deposit:  Wednesday 10 November)

 

STRATEGY SCRUTINY COMMITTEE

 

Date:  Monday 22 November 2004

Time: 6.00 pm

Place: Committee Room 1, The Guildhall

Contact: Gary Clift                          

Direct Dial:  (01223) 457011

 

 

 

1          MINUTES

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meetings held on 24 June and 19 July 2004. 

 

2          APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

 

3          DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Members are asked to declare at this stage any interests which they may have in any of the following items on the agenda. If any member is unsure whether or not they should declare an interest on a particular matter, they are requested to seek advice from the Head of Legal and Democratic Services before the meeting.

 

4          PUBLIC QUESTION TIME – see below for detail of the scheme and other public information.

 

5          Freedom of Information Act

Report by Director of Central Services

 

6          SERVICE PERFORMANCE REVIEW AND GENERAL FUND REVENUE & CAPITAL REVISED BUDGETS 2004/05

           

Strategy and Partnerships

Report by Head of Strategy & Partnerships, Director of Finance

 

7          SERVICE PERFORMANCE REVIEWS AND GENERAL FUND REVENUE & CAPITAL REVISED BUDGETS 2004/05 - OVERVIEW

Report by Director of Finance

 

 

8          application for EXTENSION OF a dispersal order in parts of petersfield and romsey wards - Section 30, Anti-social Behaviour Act, 2003 (dispersal of groups and removal of persons under 16). 

 

            In September 2004 the Police approached the Leader of the Council asking him to approve an extension to the existing Order which covers an area of Romsey and Petersfield wards for use of dispersal powers under Section 30 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003. The Act gives dispersal powers to the Police but this is subject to prior approval by the Council.

 

            On 30th September 2004, following consultation with ward councillors and Group Leaders, the Leader gave approval to the extension of the Dispersal Powers until 2359 hrs on 6th April 2005.

 

            Background

 

            Council policy states that the Leader can give such approval without Strategy Scrutiny Committee being first consulted, but that such requests from the Police, together with the Leader’s decision, must be reported to Group Leaders immediately and to the next available meeting of the Scrutiny Committee.

 

            In summary, the powers mean that in the area designated, a constable in uniform can give directions where there are reasonable grounds for believing that the presence or behaviour of a group of two or more persons in any public place has resulted or is likely to result in any members of the public being intimidated, harassed, alarmed or distressed. Persons in the group can be directed to disperse and/or leave the locality for a period specified by the officer and not return for a period of up to 24 hours. Failure to comply with a direction can lead to arrest.

 

            Earlier this year, following consideration of evidence provided by the Police about anti-social behaviour caused by people who have adopted a ‘street life’ existence and following consultation with ward Councillors, the Leader gave approval to the Police on 1st April 2004 for use of Dispersal Powers in areas of Romsey and Petersfield wards. These powers came into force on 7th April 2004 and remained in place until 6th October 2004.  A map showing the designated area is attached.

 

9          RECORDS OF DECISION  (i) LOCALAUTHORITY PARKING ENFORCEMENT (ii) EQUALITIES PANEL OFFICER MEMBERSHIP

The Leader’s Record of Decisions (12 October & 8 November 2004) are attached.

 

The next meeting of the Strategy Scrutiny Committee

is scheduled for Monday 7 February at 6pm

 

Information for the public

 

You are welcome to attend this meeting as an observer.

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You can ask questions on an issue included on the agenda, or on an issue which is within this committee’s powers. If you wish to ask a question related to an agenda item contact the committee officer (listed above under ‘contact’) before the meeting starts.  If you wish to ask a question on a matter not included on this agenda, please contact the committee officer by 10.00am the working day before the meeting.  Further details  concerning the right to speak at committee can be obtained from the committee section.

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In the event of the fire alarm sounding  (which is a continuous ringing sound), you should pick up your possessions and leave the building by the route you came in. Once clear of the building, you should assemble on the pavement opposite the main entrance to the Guildhall and await further instructions. If your escape route or the assembly area is unsafe, you will be directed to safe areas by a member of Cambridge City Council staff.