The Public Protection and Enforcement Policy Development & Scrutiny Committee of Bromley Council discussed several key issues, including the annual update from Bromley Youth Council, emergency planning and corporate resilience, and the adoption of the Safer Bromley Strategy for 2024-27. Decisions were made to extend the Anti-Social Behaviour Public Spaces Protection Order and to endorse the Public Protection Performance Overview and budget monitoring reports.

Annual Update from Bromley Youth Council

Nathan Ward and Ethyan Soysa from Bromley Youth Council (BYC) presented their annual report, supported by Danie Gibbs, the Youth Engagement Coordinator. The report highlighted BYC's focus on mental health and drug and substance misuse. A mental health magazine was produced in collaboration with young people from various schools and youth clubs. The Chairman praised the report and noted BYC's collaboration with the Police Youth Engagement Team and their presentations at crime summits. The importance of communicating the legal consequences of drug abuse to young people was also discussed.

Emergency Planning and Corporate Resilience Service: Annual Update

The committee was updated on a counter-terrorism exercise conducted at the Glade Shopping Centre, involving over 700 people, including 300 members of the public. The exercise provided valuable learning opportunities, which were further explored in post-exercise debriefings. Discussions also covered cyber security, business continuity during the Council's move to new premises, and the transition to a Cloud-based IT system. The committee reviewed the resilience standards assessment process and noted the importance of reporting issues like falling masonry to Building Control or the Borough Surveyor.

Update from the Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Enforcement

The Portfolio Holder attended several key events, including the Bromley Mentoring Initiative meeting, a briefing on facial recognition cameras, and the ASB Conference at Bromley Football Club. The use of facial recognition cameras in Bromley Town Centre received positive feedback, with initial successes reported in Croydon. The Portfolio Holder also discussed the potential for ring-fencing MOPAC money for combating drug use and the importance of providing more notice for future ASB conferences.

Public Protection Performance Overview

The committee noted the absence of new 'red flags' in the Public Protection Performance Overview. Progress was being made in catching up with food safety inspections, with a new contractor appointed to increase capacity. The committee recommended the Portfolio Holder endorse the outcomes, aims, and performance measures set out in the draft 2023/24 PP&E Portfolio Plan.

Budget Monitoring

The committee reviewed the Budget Monitoring report for 2023/24 and recommended the Portfolio Holder endorse the revenue budget monitoring position for the Public Protection and Enforcement Services Portfolio.

Anti-Social Behaviour Public Spaces Protection Order - Extension

The committee discussed the extension of the Anti-Social Behaviour Public Spaces Protection Order, which was supported by a consultation. The order allows PCSOs, designated council officers, and police officers to take action against anti-social behaviour, including the use of psychoactive substances. The committee recommended the Portfolio Holder approve the renewal of the order until 31 March 2027.

Safer Bromley Partnership Updates

The Chairman noted an increase in certain crime statistics and highlighted shoplifting as a significant issue. The Chairman of the Safer Neighbourhood Board mentioned the establishment of a Retail Forum to address shoplifting and the potential allocation of MOPAC funding for a new police vehicle. The importance of promoting Community Impact Days was also discussed.

Safer Bromley Strategy 2024-27

The committee reviewed the proposal to adopt the Safer Bromley Strategy for 2024-27, developed in consultation with partners and residents. The strategy focuses on three high-level priorities: People, Prevention, and Place. The committee recommended the Portfolio Holder approve the adoption of the strategy, ensuring the Leader is aware and in agreement.

Public Protection and Enforcement Portfolio Contracts Register

The committee noted the renewal of the Environmental Consultancy Agreement with South Derbyshire District Council and the upcoming expiration of the Domestic Homicide Review Contract with Sancus Solutions. A new tender and reporting model are being prepared.

Public Protection Portfolio Risk Register

The committee reviewed the Public Protection Risk Register and noted that the 'red' risks remained unchanged from the previous meeting.

Work Programme

The committee discussed the Work Programme report and requested that the Police and SLAM be contacted in advance to prepare for the June meeting.