To approve as a correct record the minutes of the Cleaner, Greener and Safer Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 12 July 2016

The minutes of the Cleaner, Greener and Safer Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 12 July 2016 were approved as a correct record, subject to amendments to Minute 5: Report on Thurrock Community Safety Partnership at Councillor Collins’ request.

“Councillor Collins asked if there were data which showed a breakdown of crimes by the race ethnicity and country of origin of the perpetrator and if it could be included in future reports”

This was amended to Councillor Collins asked if there were data which showed a breakdown of crimes by the race ethnicity and country of origin of the perpetrator, and who their victims were, similar to data held by the FBI and if it could be included in future reports.

To receive additional items that the Chair is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency, in accordance with Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

There were no Items of Urgent Business.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Environmental Health and Trading Standards Manager introduced the report which outlined the circumstances surrounding the unauthorised trap racing which took place on the last weekend in July, as well as the Council’s response and recommendations in order to reduce the likelihood of a recurrence.

The Chief Superintendent representing Essex Police began his presentation by explaining that there had been a number of meetings held since the event to look at finding the best way forward but also assessing Police action at the time.  Members heard that there had been a review of what prosecution action was available to the police in dealing with circumstances such as those in late July and the Chief Superintendent outlined the new protocol which had been put in place between Essex Police and Thurrock Council regarding unauthorised traveller encampments.

The Chair queried whether there was a belief that if something similar were to occur in the near future the outcome would be different.  The Chief Superintendent expressed his confidence that the outcome would be different due to the discussions that had taken place including increased clarity around Local Authority and Police powers as well as improvements to the indicator system used.

Members heard that the Chief Superintendent had been dealing with unauthorised encampments personally since 1998.  He continued to explain that whilst there was no national data on the matter there was no evidence to suggest there was any increase in local crime within Essex at the time of unauthorised encampments, in fact sometimes petty crime decreased as members of the public were taking more care such as locking garages and sheds or not leaving children’s bikes out due to the perceived risk.

The Cabinet Member for Environment added that after the event, when there was an unauthorised encampment there was very good communication between Essex Police and Thurrock Council.  She then asked the Chief Superintendent whether local crime rates increased when unauthorised encampment occurred.

The Chair then presented a question submitted in advance by Councillor Jones which asked why the police had not used the law Section 61 to move the encampment on that had set up in Corringham on Monday 25 July, as this camp was the advanced party ensuring the Manorway was ready for the racing on the weekend. 

The Chief Superintendent explained that the issue began with fully understanding Section 61 which dealt with all forms of trespassing and made no reference to travellers as it was actually initially brought in to prevent encampments attempting to stop building works.  It was not legislation that Police were expected to act upon routinely and it was very specific in relation to when it could be called.  The Committee was informed that the UK Human Rights act had also expressed that any police action must be lawful and take into account necessity and proportionality and that furthermore, the 2010 Equality Act specifically named Irish Travellers as a protected race and that the majority of travellers within Essex fell into this category.  Members also  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.