Agenda item

During this item, Member Champions updated their relevant areas of priority, which included:

Member Champion for Licensing, Cllr Haigh’s positive with meeting with Chief Constable Harrington of the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) regarding LGA-NPCC joint working to develop a consistent approach to the management of large events.  This includes the LGA representation for the NPCC National Working Group on Event Safety.

Member Champion to Tackle Abuse, Exploitation and Modern Slavery, Cllr Rhodes updated members on the Safe Car Wash App and its progress.  Members’ discussions turned to local authorities taking appropriate inspections and actions when risks or cases are reported.  Cllr Rhodes reminded the board that everyone has a duty to report suspicions, even if they turn out to be false, and that this is a significant issue for local government. 

Members also discussed the recent debate in the House of Commons in relation to Private Hire Vehicles that took place on 13 November, and how this was a positive step forward.  Deputy-Chair Cllr Lower, Member Champion for Regulatory Services, also stated that the meeting referenced in paragraph 19 in the report was extremely positive. 

The Chair updated members on the Serious Violent Crime Task Force, where he was due to present on County Lines. 

Members discussed the work in relation to children and young people’s access to gambling (highlighted in paragraph 12).  Members agreed that local authorities need encouragement to include this during inspections of licensed premises.  Some members stated that should also be a call to stop serving alcohol before 11.00 am. 

The Member Champion for Drowning Prevention, Cllr Dawson, also updated members on the recent meeting with the National Fire Chiefs Council water safety meeting, which indicated a desire for more joint-work with the LGA and wider local government sector. 

Members discussed paragraph nine in the report and work on issues relating to unauthorised encampments.  Members stated that the LGA needs to highlight this issue, noting the risk of pushing encampments into neighbouring areas and that councils cannot bollard all their land to prevent access. 

Action

·         Members noted the update.