Issue - meetings

Having regard to the views expressed by the Proper Officer regarding the public interest test, that on balance the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information and that the report should be exempt.

RESOLVED that the public be excluded whilst this item of business is transacted as it is likely there would be a disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 14, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

Consideration was given to the report of the Chief Officer Commercial and Customer which presented an update on the review of the CCTV function and the proposals for an improved service delivery model.

The Chief Officer Commercial and Customer spoke to the report and highlighted the main points contained therein.

A Member referred to connectivity issues in his area and the need for more cameras.  The Chief Officer Commercial and Customer said that this report covered the current infrastructure, there would be an on-going review of placement of cameras.  She advised that covert cameras would be part of a wider discussion around CCTV.

A Member raised concerns with public safety, he felt this proposal was not a full package and did not provide live monitoring of cameras, there was a need for more cameras in all Wards as anti-social behaviour was an issue within Blaenau Gwent and felt that CCTV provision should be brought back in-house.

The Chief Officer Commercial and Customer said that live monitoring of cameras was not included, however the model did offer an enhanced position on access to, and provision of footage.   She advised that Gwent Police were supportive of the proposed improvements as the current CCTV service provision fell short of expectations and the review exercise had focussed on what was needed to deliver an enhanced service model bespoke for Blaenau Gwent. 

The Chair advised that the proposed model would offer clear improvements on the current level of service provision.

A Member commented that the current system was not fit for purpose and felt that the move to develop a partner service delivery model and SLA would be beneficial and the first step to improve the system. 

In response to a Member’s question regarding progress updates, the Chief Officer Commercial and Customer advised that regular reviews on progress would be reported into this Committee. 

The Committee AGREED to recommend that the report which contained information relation to the financial/business affairs of persons other than the Authority be accepted and endorse Option 1; namely that the Corporate Overview Scrutiny Committee;

     i.        noted the progress made as part of the review exercise, provided comment; and

    ii.        supports the proposed improvements and the move to develop a partner service delivery model and SLA for the CCTV function prior to being presented to Executive Committee for approval.