Issue - meetings

To receive the report from the head of communities.

To seek a decision from Cabinet on the proposal to enter the Thames Valley CCTV Partnership and the creation of an Oxfordshire CCTV hub for the future provision of public space CCTV.

Recommendation: That Cabinet

(a)      Agree to the proposed approach for the delivery of public space CCTV in the Vale of White Horse.

(b)      Authorise the Head of Communities to negotiate and agree the agreement with Thames Valley Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for the future provision on public space CCTV making any minor changes they deem necessary, and undertaking and considering any consultation required.

Cabinet received the delivery of public space CCTV report from the head of communities. The report sought agreement for Cabinet to enter the Thames Valley CCTV Partnership and for the creation of the Oxfordshire CCTV hub.

The cabinet member for community health and wellbeing, Councillor Helen Pighills, presented the report and highlighted that there was a shared desire for a collective CCTV control room, and that the local Police and Crime Commissioner had outlined a new vision for a shared station in Abingdon. The Cabinet member indicated that ownership of the cameras would be given to Thames Valley Police, including for their repair, maintenance, and replacement. However, she noted that the columns and assets on which they were mounted, as well as the electricity and fibre costs would be the responsibility of the Council.

The partnership would provide benefits for all partners, including more real time monitoring and future investment from the police. In addition, the Cabinet member emphasised that it would bring the Council revenue savings and reduce its administrative burden, although it would require an ongoing contribution. On the governance of the partnership, a board would be put in place to govern it. That board would be chaired by the Police and Crime Commissioner and would assess the need for new cameras.

Cabinet discussed the proposal and whether the town and parish councils had been consulted on the proposal. In response, the licensing and community safety manager indicated that they had been informed and that no concerns had been raised. Members also noted that town councils had chosen to voluntarily contribute to the CCTV in their areas in the past and that it was reasonable to expect that to continue, as they would continue to see benefits from the systems.

Overall, as Cabinet were satisfied with the suggested approach, they agreed to the proposal about the delivery of public space CCTV in the Vale of White Horse.

RESOLVED: that Cabinet:

(a)      Agree to the proposed approach for the delivery of public space CCTV in the Vale of White Horse.

(b)      Authorise the Head of Communities to negotiate and agree the agreement with Thames Valley Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for the future provision on public space CCTV making any minor changes they deem necessary, and undertaking and considering any consultation required.