Agenda item

The Chair introduced the report which outlined issues of interest to the Board not covered under the other items on the agenda.

Following the brief introduction, members made the following comments:

·       Members commented that would like to invite a speaker to a future board meeting to discuss drug diversion schemes and how successful they were. Mark Norris, Principal Policy Adviser, responded that it would be good to hear how councils were tackling with this broad issue in light of the drug strategy, a recent 10-year plan with funding committed for 3-years.

·       In regard to the phase out of Covid Plan B, it was important for local authorities to still offer advice on this issue. Members recognised that the advice laid-out by government did not always sit in line with the needs of local areas.  Members highlighted that government advice for mask wearing on public transport differed in London than other parts of the UK, causing confusion and across different networks and boarders.

·       Members raised concern that current pavement licence fees do not cover the full costs of issuing these.

            Decision:

            Members of the Safer and Stronger Communities Board noted the report.

Action:

·       Officers to discuss with lead members bringing an item on the drug strategy and drug diversion schemes to a future board meeting.