PRESENT: Councillor Davison in the Chair.
Councillors Clark (vice-chair), Ali, Armitage, Berry, Ellerby and C Sherwood.
Councillor Poole attended the meeting in accordance with Procedure Rule 37(b)
The Panel met at Pittwood House, Scunthorpe.
37 DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS AND DECLARATIONS OF WHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS (IF ANY) – There were no declarations of personal or personal and prejudicial interests.
No whip was declared.
38 MINUTES – Resolved – That the minutes of the proceedings of this Panel held on 17 December 2007, having been printed and circulated amongst the members, be taken as read and correctly recorded and signed by the chair.
39 PUBLIC SPEAKING – There were no requests from members of the public to address the Scrutiny Panel.
40 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE – SERVICE PROVISION AND AREAS OF VULNERABILITY - Discussions and questions with the Service Director Community Planning and Resources and the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood, Environmental and Communities
The panel was introduced to Neil Laminman and Councillor Len Foster who were in attendance to answer questions and address concerns raised by members.
Questions were focused on the leadership and management provided by North Lincolnshire Council, the effectiveness of Partnership working towards tackling domestic violence, strategies and resources available, practice development and service delivery, and performance. Also, whether the council was meeting the national targets and requirements for service delivery to help victims of domestic violence.
It was confirmed that domestic violence was becoming a priority issue within its own right and may not remain under the remit of crime and disorder for much longer. Data had been collated by the Police and other partnership agencies, that highlighted areas for improvement, and had lead to the higher level of importance being given to domestic violence and the priority for tackling repeat cases.
Members were advised that on this basis a review of the whole service was to be conducted, looking at staffing requirements and what was needed to enhance the support provided to victims of domestic violence.
It was explained that funding was available to Partnerships to enhance service provision, this would benefit by adopting a more proactive role in using/assisting the voluntary sector and would ensure that there was a reduction in the duplication of work.
After further discussion it was concluded that there were many areas that needed to be reviewed such as the provision of refuge placements, target hardened properties and the reporting of information of domestic violence within the black and ethnic minorities community.
Resolved – (a) That Neil Laminman and Councillor Len Foster be thanked for their attendance, and (b) that the problems with reporting of domestic violence within the black and ethnic minorities community be reviewed by the Service Director Community Planning and Resources, and information be provided to the panel at the next scheduled meeting.
41 NEXT STAGES OF THE REVIEW – The Service Director Legal and Democratic provided an oral update on the information that had already been presented to the panel.
Resolved – (a) That a summary of sub group meetings be produced by the Service Director Legal and Democratic and circulated at the following scheduled meeting of the full panel, and (b) that a sub group be arranged for the week commencing 4 February 2008.
42 (10) LEADER OF THE COUNCIL'S FORWARD PLAN – JANUARY TO APRIL 2008 - The Service Director Legal and Democratic circulated the Leader of North Lincolnshire Council's Forward Plan for January to April 2008.
The plan contained details of all matters and issues likely to be the subject of key decisions for a period of the next four months, updated on a monthly basis. Members discussed various items on the Forward Plan.
Resolved - That the Leader of the Council's Forward Plan for January to April 2008 be noted.
43 ADDED ITEM – There was no added item for discussion at this meeting.