Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place)

The Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) which indicated that in February 2019, the Cabinet approved public consultation on the possible creation of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for St Michaels Ward and adjoining areas. The Order is designed to address anti-social behaviour and criminal and sexual exploitation of young people.

The report, which will be considered by the Cabinet at their first meeting of the Municipal Year, detailed the outcome of the consultation and sought Cabinet’s approval to create the new PSPO, which will assist Police Officers in predominantly keeping young people in the City safe.

The Committee questioned officers on aspects of the report, including:-

·  Police enforcement of the PSPO

·  Definition of anti-social behaviour and exactly what kind of behaviour the Order will prohibit/allow

·  The difference the PSPO will make to existing Police powers

·  The impact that the current 4 other PSPOs have had in the City

·  How the effectiveness of the Order will be measured, monitored and reviewed

·  The level of public engagement and consultation responses to the proposed Order

·  Concerns regarding displacement into adjacent areas

The Committee expressed their concerns regarding the level of Police resources nationally.

RESOLVED that the Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee:-

1)   Confirm their support for the Recommendation to approve the Public Spaces Protection Order for St Michaels and surrounding areas

2)  Request that they receive a six month progress report

3)  Recommend to Cabinet that appropriate Ward Councillors be contacted in relation to any potential displacement issues.

Report of the Lord Mayor, Councillor J Blundell

The Committee considered a report of the Lord Mayor, Councillor J Blundell, which detailed a Civic visit to Cork between 23 and 25 March, 2019.

RESOLVED that the Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee endorse the report of the Lord Mayor regarding the Civic visit to Cork and note the positive outcomes of the visit.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place)

The Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee considered their Work Programme for 2018/19.

RESOLVED that the following items be considered as part of the Work Programme planning exercise for 2019/20:-

·  CCTV cameras in the City

·  Knife crime and gun culture

·  Improving engagement and consultation with residents

Any other items of public business which the Chair decides to take as a matter of urgency because of the special circumstances involved.

There were no items of urgent public business.