Agenda item

To receive any questions by Members to Cabinet Members submitted in accordance with the Procedure Note.

(1)  Cllr G.B. Lyon had submitted a question for response by the Pride in Place and Neighbourhood Services Portfolio Holder (Cllr Christine Guinness) about the worsening reputation for crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Aldershot.

In response, Cllr Guinness advised that data from the Hampshire and IOW Constabulary had shown a reduction in crime levels and ASB on the previous year. It was noted that the Community Safety survey was currently underway and comparative data on previous years would be reported on once collated. In addition, it was advised that Place Protection Officers regularly patrolled the town centres and had invested 947hrs in Aldershot town centre since July, 2024. The patrols had engaged with vulnerable individuals through signposting, safeguarding and education and had initiated referrals as necessary.

(2)  Cllr P.J. Cullum had submitted a question for response by the Pride in Place and Neighbourhood Services Portfolio Holder (Cllr Christine Guinness) about the cleanliness of Rushmoor’s streets.

In response, Cllr Guinness advised of the commitment to maintain standards of cleanliness through effective litter management. It was also reported that the ‘binfluence’ volunteers, led by the Pride in Place Champion, Cllr Greenway, had collected 258 bags of rubbish to date and were currently promoting the Big Spring Clean on 22 March.

(3)  Cllr Thomas Day had submitted a question for response by the Healthy Communities and Active Lives Portfolio Holder (Cllr Sophie Porter) about Farnborough Leisure Centre.

In response, Cllr Porter advised that the proposed new plans for the leisure centre were affordable. It was also confirmed that agreement had been received to carry over the levelling up funding for the new affordable plans. Designs would be made available in the summer for consultation.

(4)  Cllr Leola Card had submitted a question for response by the Pride in Place and Neighbourhood Services Portfolio Holder (Cllr Christine Guinness) about domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.

In response, Cllr Guinness advised that the Council were part of the Hampshire Domestic Abuse Partnership. The Hampshire Domestic Abuse Partnership Strategy 2023-2025 had been built around four key priorities (Prevention, Professional Care, Pursuing those causing harm and Partnership) which were designed to contribute to the overall vision of the Hampshire Domestic Abuse Partnership. They have been developed collaboratively through the Hampshire Domestic Abuse Partnership Board and were informed by the National Tackling Domestic Abuse plan, National Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy and National Statement of Expectations for domestic abuse.

Rushmoor was also part of the Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP) which brought a broad range of agencies together and consisted of specified and relevant authorities to meet statutory obligations under the Serious Violence Duty of the Police, Crime, Sentencing & Courts Act 2022.    

Rushmoor also attended the Hampshire County Strategy Group for Community Safety meetings, where Domestic Abuse was a standing agenda item. At a more local level Rushmoor:

·         has appointed a Domestic Abuse Support Officer, due in post in mid-March, with a remit to provide crisis intervention, information, advocacy, and proactive support to victims / survivors who accessed the Housing and Homelessness Service and worked with colleagues to increase knowledge and develop responses to victims and survivors of domestic abuse through formal and informal training sessions.

·         Domestic Abuse was a priority, documented within the Safer North Hampshire Community Safety Partnership (CSP) Strategic Assessment. One of the strategic interventions under domestic abuse was a CSP VAWG action plan - currently being refreshed.

·         The NE Hants Domestic Abuse Forum was chaired by Community Safety Managers from Rushmoor and Hart Councils.  It met quarterly and ensured best practice was shared and raised awareness of signposting opportunities.

·         Officers also attended high risk case conferences and worked in partnership to improve the situation for those affected.

·         Community in Motion bystander training, aimed to empower all, by providing a toolkit of options when intervening with a situation.  This training had a particular focus on reducing VAWG. Two members of Rushmoor staff had been trained to deliver this and continued to promote and deliver training across the borough.

(5)  Cllr Lisa Greenway had submitted a question for response by the Policy, Performance and Sustainability Portfolio Holder (Cllr Jules Crossley) on sustainability.

In response, Cllr Crossley advised that a lot had happened, in particular around financial management matters. Moving forward it was proposed to stagger the implementation due to the increased workflow.

As a result of the time limit available for questions, Cllr Crossley was asked to email the rest of her response to Q5 to be included with the remaining questions for circulation following the meeting.