A verbal update to be provided by the Chair of the Crime Scrutiny Panel Cllr
David-Sanders and the Chair of the Health Scrutiny Panel Cllr Boztas.
Minutes:
Crime Scrutiny Panel
Councillor Lee David -Sanders, (Chair of Crime Scrutiny Panel) updated the meeting on the work of the Panel. He highlighted the following -
The Work Planning Meeting on 13 June 2019 had looked at priorities for the coming municipal year with the following items to be included on the work programme
The meeting of the 12 September 2019 had held discussions on the following:
· An update from the Chief Inspector giving details of crimes in the borough recorded within parks, other crime statistics and it was noted the increase in serious youth violence, knife crime and residential burglaries.
· The Fire Brigade gave an overview of various initiatives being undertaken, in an attempt, to reduce crime.
· The meetings are generally well attended.
Councillor David-Sanders said it was important to have good attendance of members at this meeting and it was a useful means for the public to engage with the police and members.
The following issues were raised:
· Councillor Smith referred to his attendance at CAPE meetings for Cockfosters and said this was a successful means of bringing the police and members of the public together. He also referred to the use of ‘Whats App’ for Neighbourhood Watch which had been very useful as a means for neighbours to keep in touch with the police about any problems. Whilst this may be useful as a means of communication – members said there may be issues with data protection.
· Reference was made to the increase in car thefts and it was noted that there had been suggestions that people may wish to return to using steering locks as a means of securing their cars.
· Councillor Lappage referred to the successful CAPE for Jubilee ward.
· That the challenge for policing in the borough is that the borough command unit now covers two boroughs and often police officers who would normally cover Enfield may need to help in other areas. A recent example when officers needed to help with the ‘extinction rebellion’ protests.
· It was thought it may be useful for new councillors to be offered training regarding CAPEs and how to promote them to encourage members of the public to participate.
Health Scrutiny Panel
Councillor Sinan Boztas, (Chair of Health Scrutiny Panel) updated the meeting on the work of the Panel.
The Work Planning Meeting in June 2019 had included input from Cabinet Members and Senior Managers from Enfield Council and Enfield Clinical Commissioning Group. The Work Plan for the year reflects issues which directly affect residents and includes scrutiny of hospital trusts, public health and primary care.
He highlighted the following:
· Members of the panel attended a meeting with Enfield CCG in August to discuss services provided at the 4 GP Hubs in the borough.
· In early September prior to the first Panel meeting members were given a tour of the new facilities at Chase Farm Hospital by their Chief Executive Officer.
· At the September panel meeting there were presentations on Chase Farm hospital and the GP Hubs. Issues raised following the Chase Farm presentation included – opening hours of the urgent care centre, funding for changing dressings, x-ray facilities, hospital transport and blood test provision. The update on walk in services at GP Hubs – included discussion on communications, liaison with community groups, patient pathways and appropriate triage.
· The meeting in January will focus on North Middlesex hospital and the outcome of the Care Quality Commission inspection also immunisation services will be discussed.
· The meeting in March will include Continuing Healthcare and Primary Care Networks.
· Councillor Clare De Silva and Councillor Boztas represent Enfield at the joint Health overview and Scrutiny Committee for North Central London. The panel meets five times a year the next meeting will be held on 29 November 2019.
The following points were raised:
· Councillor Smith referred to Holbrook House which is a large office building which houses NHS staff. He understands that this is being considered for residential use, he thought there had been space allocated there for a GP practice however he has been unable to find out where this practice is to go. Councillor Boztas did not have any further information on this issue.
· Councillor Boztas referred to the GP Hubs which now provide additional service up to 8pm.