Issue - meetings

The report of the Leader of the Council was submitted setting out the details of the business undertaken by the Executive.

The Leader and the Cabinet made statements and responded to questions.

The following questions were submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11.1

1.  Fly-Tipping

Question from Councillor O’Neill to Councillor Rayment

In view of the increase in fly-tipping, will the Council look again at using covert CCTV to increase enforcement against fly-tippers and other anti-social behaviour?

Answer

The use of CCTV, particularly covert surveillance is regulated by laws which are intended to protect individual’s rights to privacy. 

The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 requires the use of covert surveillance by a local authority to be authorised by a   Magistrate. Authorisation requires periodic review and a covert CCTV surveillance cannot be left in place indefinitely. 

Authorisation can only be granted for serious offences, i.e those which attract a six month custodial sentence. Some fly tipping offences meet this threshold but the use of surveillance must be proportionate and justifiable.

The Council operates both fixed and moveable CCTV cameras. There are costs to providing additional cameras, typically £8,000 to install an additional fixed camera. The Council has two moveable cameras,   which can be located to overtly monitor priority areas. The cameras are currently deployed in areas where police have highlighted concerns around violent crime (for example violence linked to drug supply and prostitution). Relocating a camera can cost around £800.

Overt cameras can be deterrent and may discourage fly-tipping from hotspots. Installation of overt cameras does not require authorisation by a Magistrate. Work to identify enforcement priorities by risk can be undertaken to determine whether a moveable camera may be deployed to cover a fly-tipping hot spot, but should be balanced against the risk presented by violent crime and any decision should be taken in consultation with the police.

2.  Stoneham Tower

Councillor Painton to Councillor Letts

Leader after the motion on Stoneham Tower was passed by all what has happened since and have the university been asked their intentions and what time scale are they looking at for moving forward. 

Answer

A member of University staff was at the meeting at which we discussed Stoneham tower and you will recall I asked them to note the strength of feeling about the issue and to initiate some action. I have recently written to the University to receive an update and will share this as soon as it is received.

3.  Snow Disruption

Councillor McEwing to Councillor Rayment

Can the Cabinet Member agree, what a brilliant job our Highways Partners team and SCC staff done, from Wednesday night 28^th February until the weekend, with the onslaught of winter weather.

Answer

Verbal response as follows provided by Councillor Rayment

“Can I answer this in two parts?  I accept on the first snow fall parts of the City struggled.  We had been gritting since the early hours, and when it started laying we saw a build-up of traffic all leaving early,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 69