The Community Safety & Environment Scrutiny Panel met on Thursday 11 April 2024 to review performance reports from the Street Services and Community Protection Teams. The panel noted the Street Services Performance Report 2023 and the Community Protection Team Performance Update.

Street Services Performance Report

The panel noted the Street Services Performance Report for 2023. During the discussion, the Assistant Director of Environment and Leisure addressed concerns about missed bin collections, explaining that these were challenges arising from a major service change, and that the team was working to resolve them. Regarding weed spraying, it was confirmed that glyphosate was used in 2023 for pavements and paths, but not in parks and open spaces, where hand tools were preferred, except for invasive species. The Head of Street Services welcomed the idea of publicising the weed spray calendar, acknowledging that adverse weather could affect schedules.

On the issue of fly-tipping, the Head of Street Services detailed the deployment of four task force teams in problem areas and a response team for the rest of the borough, noting a reduction in incidents. The Head of Fleet and Waste Management Strategy reported an overspend of £36,000 in Period 7 of the budget, which was an improvement on the previous period due to reduced disposable costs.

Concerns were raised about high staff sickness levels, with the Head of Street Services attributing some of it to long-term illnesses such as cancer. It was confirmed that measures were in place to support staff mental health, including a mental health champion, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and Occupational Health services. The panel requested information on benchmarking exercises with other boroughs regarding staff sickness levels.

Recycling performance in blocks of flats was identified as a persistent challenge, with efforts underway to engage individual residents as part of the Reduction Recycling Plan 2023-2025. A brief explanation of the Street Services Budget 2023/24 was also provided.

Community Protection Team Performance Update

The Community Protection Team's (CPT) performance was presented, highlighting the team's reorganisation in 2019 which merged noise and anti-social behaviour (ASB) services. The team now handles statutory nuisance and ASB across both private and public properties. Key activities included extended operating hours and a more proactive approach to problematic premises.

The CPT has implemented a noise app, which has seen increased use and contributed to enforcement actions, with approximately 20,000 noise recordings submitted since its introduction. Bodyworn cameras have also been introduced for evidence gathering and officer safety. The team manages the ASB case review process, allowing residents to request reviews of how their cases were handled, with annual reports published on outcomes. Third-party mediation is also utilised to resolve neighbourly disputes.

Statistics presented showed that since August 2020, around 13,000 service requests have been handled, with noise complaints being the most frequent. The CPT has also seen an increase in enforcement notices served due to extended working hours and a focus on evening and weekend services.

In response to questions, it was confirmed that officers inform residents when recording with bodyworn cameras, particularly during early interventions, to prioritise officer safety. The CPT works in partnership with tenancy services, sharing evidence and assisting with enforcement actions, such as confiscating noise-producing equipment. The panel expressed concerns about the perception that complaints do not always lead to action, especially in cases of repeated noise or ASB. The Head of Environmental Health Pollution and Residential acknowledged these concerns and outlined efforts to improve communication and service delivery, including the development of a customer charter.