· Launch of the 2015 -2016 Cleaner Greener Safer capital funding programme
· 2015 – 2016 – the council’s Budget process
· Consultation about a Private Sector housing Licensing Scheme.
· Announcement on the launch of the Housing Commission, Charter of Principles consultation.
· Short announcement about a petition for more police officers.
· Police updates on community safety matters.
Minutes:
The following announcements were made at the meeting:
Cleaner greener safer funding programme 2015 – 2016
Andrea Allen CGS Project Manager introduced the launch of the cleaner, greener safer funding programme for 2015 - 2016. The council would be inviting residents of the borough to apply for funding. Andrea explained that money was allocated to the five community council areas with £90,000 for each ward. The scheme which has been running since 2003 allocated funding for community and environment improvements. Andrea asked people to refer to the council website to view the type of projects that would qualify for grant and those that might not meet the criteria.
The officer mentioned people had to live in the area of the scheme and the capital programme was for permanent physical features for example: play areas, community gardens and outdoor play areas. The project ideas must make Southwark cleaner, greener or safer. The closing date for applications was 7 November 2014. Forms and leaflets were available at the meeting. For information contact: andrea.allen@southwark.gov.uk or telephone: 020 7525 0860
Council website: www.southwark.gov.uk/cleanergreenersafer
A petition for more police officers in Southwark
Councillor Michael Situ, cabinet member for community safety, announced there was a campaign in Southwark to lobby the Mayor of London to increase police officer numbers in the borough. The replacement of the safer neighbourhoods’ teams with local police teams had reduced the amount of officers in the borough noticeably in the community council area and these concerns in regard to the numbers were highlighted to the Borough Commander. In response to questions, Councillor Michael Situ said the council could not guarantee success, but wanted to express people’s views to the Mayor of London. For further details of the petition see: www.southwark.gov.uk/policenumbers
The Council’s budget process – 2015 – 2016
The chair outlined the forthcoming budget process. The council had to make savings in its budget. Over the last 4 years about £90 million of funding had been lost. In the short-term about £20 million of cuts were required, with further cuts expected after that. As in previous years, there would be consultation with residents at a series of events including community councils at the November/December 2014 round of meetings. Residents would have the opportunity to tell the council where they thought the savings should be made in the budget.
Private Sector Housing Licensing Scheme
John Daley, Licensing Project Manager talked about the regulation and improved standards in the private sector lettings to address issues like, anti-social behaviour. John explained that Southwark had a massive housing sector and as a result would be consulting all properties which included those with shared facilities which would now be licensed and other small lettings in the private sector. This would help deal with anti-social behaviour make landlords accountable and set conditions on the licensing scheme. John urged people to respond to the consultation
Charter of principles for new council homes
Ambrose Omoma from the resident participation team explained about the consultation on the housing commission charter of principles which sets the framework for how Southwark council would consult with residents on the delivery of 11,000 new council homes. A commitment to build those homes was reaffirmed by cabinet in July 2014. The consultation would be the beginning of a community conversation with residents about housing in Southwark.
This framework has to be in place before the next conversation starts in spring 2015 and the decision on the charter will be made by cabinet in November 2015. The charter would then be drafted with set examples of good practice. The consultation ended on the 13 October 2014. For more information contact: ebony.riddell-bamber@southwark.gov.uk or telephone: 020 7525 1564.
Leader’s question time
The chair announced that Councillor Peter John, Leader of Southwark Council, would be taking part in a leader’s public question time on 22 October 2014. The venue would be City Hall and hosted by award–winning radio and television presenter, Jumoke Fashola. There was an opportunity for anyone who lived or worked in the borough to forward a question for Councillor John to respond to.
Police updates
Inspector Hynes submitted his apologies to the meeting.
Sergeant Warren Gregory from College safer neighbourhood team provided the meeting with an update on policing matters.
He reported that crime was down across all of the wards although there had been an increase with people not paying for petrol particularly at the petrol station on Crystal Palace parade. He reported on the community action day that took place on 18 September 2014 which involved police street walks to increase police stability and police presence. He also explained that people were still falling foul of identity theft particularly older residents. He urged people to terminate any such calls where the caller claims to be from the bank or the police.
Other police matters:
International terrorism: People were asked to remain vigilant wherever they were and report any suspicious behaviour on 0800 789 321.
Burglaries: The Police asked for support and assistance from the Territorial Support Group to tackle crime especially in East Dulwich where the percentage of burglaries had risen in the area. In addition, British transport police officers were patrolling and policing local train stations in the area with police dogs. Several arrests were made.
Anti-social behaviour: Mobile TV cameras were set up in the area and as a result there had been a marked improvement.
Following feedback from ward panel meetings one of the priorities for local policing was to deal with contact points in Seeley Drive SNT base on Wednesday 7 – 8 pm and Saturday 2 – 3 pm.
During questions, a local resident explained a touch down base had been identified in East Dulwich and wondered if this information could be passed on to the new inspector for the ward.
The chair thanked everyone for their presentations.