Appointments Committee

Lloyd White Head of Democratic Services London Borough of Hillingdon, 3E/05, Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge, UB8 1UW www.hillingdon.gov.uk External Services Scrutiny Committee Date: WEDNESDAY, 14 JULY 2010 Time: 6.00 PM Venue: COMMITTEE ROOM 6 - CIVIC CENTRE, HIGH STREET, UXBRIDGE UB8 1UW Meeting Details: Members of the Public and Press are welcome to attend this meeting Councillors on the Committee Mary O'Connor (Chairman) Michael White (Vice-Chairman) Phoday Jarjussey (Labour Lead) Judy Kelly Peter Kemp Published: Tuesday, 6 July 2010 This agenda and associated reports can be made available in other languages, in braille, large print or on audio tape on request. Please contact us for further information. Contact: Nikki Stubbs Tel: 01895 250472 Fax: 01895 277373 Email: nstubbs@hillingdon.gov.uk This Agenda is available online at: http://modgov.hillingdon.gov.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CId=118&Year=2010 Public Document Pack Useful information Bus routes 427, U1, U3, U4 and U7 all stop at the Civic Centre. Uxbridge underground station, with the Piccadilly and Metropolitan lines, is a short walk away. Limited parking is available at the Civic Centre. For details on availability and how to book a parking space, please contact Democratic Services Please enter from the Council’s main reception where you will be directed to the Committee Room. An Induction Loop System is available for use in the various meeting rooms. Please contact us for further information. Please switch off any mobile telephones and BlackBerries™ before the meeting. Any recording of the meeting is not allowed, either using electronic, mobile or visual devices. If there is a FIRE in the building the alarm will sound continuously. If there is a BOMB ALERT the alarm sounds intermittently. Please make your way to the nearest FIRE EXIT. Terms of Reference 1. To scrutinise local NHS organisations in line with th e health powers conferred by the Health and Social Care Act 2001, including: (a) scrutiny of local NHS organisations by calling the relevant Chief Executive(s) to account for the work of their organisation(s) and undertaking a review into issues of concern; (b) consider NHS service reconfigurations which the Committee agree to be substantial, establishing a joint committee if the proposals affect more than one Overview and Scrutiny Committee area; and to refer contested major service configurations to the Independent Reconfiguration Panel (in accordance with the Health and Social Care Act); and (c) respond to any relevant NHS consultations. 2. To act as a Crime and Disorder Committee as defined in the Crime and Disorder (Overview and Scrutiny) Regulations 2009 and carry out the bi-annual scrutiny of decisions made, or other action taken, in connection with the discharge by the responsible authorities of their crime and disorder functions. 3. To scrutinise the work of non-Hillingdon Council agen cies whose actions affect residents of the London Borough of Hillingdon. 4. To identify areas of concern to the community within their remit and instigate an appropriate review process. Agenda PART I - MEMBERS, PUBLIC AND PRESS Page 1 Apologies for absence and to report the presence of any substitute Members 2 Declarations of Interest in matters coming before this meeting 3 Minutes of the meeting - 9 June 2010 1 - 8 4 Minutes of the meeting - 16 June 2010 9 - 14 5 Exclusion of Press and Public To confirm that all items marked Part 1 will be considered in public and that any items marked Part 2 will be considered in private 6 Safer Transport 15 - 18 7 Work Programme 19 - 22 PART II - PRIVATE, MEMBERS ONLY 8 Any Business transferred from Part 1 Minutes EXTERNAL SERVICES SCRUTINY COMMITTEE 9 June 2010 Meeting held at Committee Room 4 - Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge UB8 1UW Committee Members Present: Councillors Mary O’Connor (Chairman), Michael White (Vice-Chairman), Phoday Jarjussey (Labour Lead), Judy Kelly and Peter Kemp Witnesses Present: Superintendent Des Rock – Metropolitan Police Service Chief Inspector Maurice Hartnett – Metropolitan Police Service Carole Jones – Strong & Active Communities Partnership Dr Ellis Friedman, Joint Director of Public Health – PCT Professor Ian Campbell – Brunel University Yewande Akindele, Equality and Diversity Manager – Brunel University Ted Hill – Hillingdon Association of Voluntary Services (HAVS) Colin Gribble – London Fire Brigade Duncan Struthers – Hillingdon Inter Faith Network Others Present: Councillors Dominic Gilham and John Major Malcolm Ellis, Standards Committee Vice-Chairman LBH Officers Present: Ed Shaylor, Fiona Gibbs and Nikki Stubbs 3. EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC (Agenda Item 5) Action by RESOLVED: That all items be considered in public. 4. COMMUNITY COHESION: RESPONDING TO AND UNDERSTANDING LOCAL CHALLENGES (Agenda Item 6) Action by The Chairman welcomed those present to the meeting. This meeting had previously been scheduled for 26 April 2010 but ha d been cancelled following a power cut in the Civic Centre. Strong & Active Communities Partnership The purpose of the Strong & Active Communities Partner ship theme group, established in April 2009, was to provide the o pportunity for agencies delivering services across the Borough to come toget her to build strong and cohesive communities for residents in Hi llingdon and deliver priorities under the Hillingdon Sustainable Community Strategy. Strong & Active Communities Partnership was one of six thematic groups within Hillingdon's Local Strategic Partnership (LSP). As part of its work, the Strong & Active Communities Partnership t heme group was responsible for overseeing the impact of the Local Ar ea Agreement indicators, including monitoring their progre ss against Agenda Item 3 Page 1 agreed targets, and evaluating the impact of outcomes o n community cohesion across the Borough. Ms Fiona Gibbs, the Council’s Stronger Communities Manag er, advised that the Strong & Active Communities Partnershi p theme group was chaired by Ms Carole Jones. The core focus of t his group was around developing partnership working and developi ng models of good practice that could be shared and which were sustain able. One of the core areas of focus had been upon delivering pro grammes that engaged young people, schools and families Ms Jones stated that community cohesion and partnership wor king underpinned everything that was done by the Strong & Active Communities Partnership theme group. It was noted th at work had been undertaken with young people and their parents in nine schools in the Yeading area. In addition, the national Heartst one project Festival of Flight had been delivered in Hillingdon in 2009 and was now re- branded as Reach for the Sky - this project focussed on hel ping young people to understand discrimination and build aspiratio n. The project had been a joint partnership with Brunel University, Yeading Junior school, Healthy Hillingdon and Stronger Communities an d was now being cascaded to other schools with the young people who had already participated in the project acting as mentor s. The Strong & Active Communities Partnership theme group had been in volved in a number of other projects such as One World Week 2010 and Streets Ahead 2010 and plans were afoot for Hayes Carnival. Ms Jones circulated a booklet entitled Joining the Pieces which summ arised some of the best practice models of working that had been developed with Yeading Junior school and other partners as part of the Strong & Active Communities Partnership theme group action plan. It was noted that a range of sub groups had been estab lished by the Strong & Active Communities Partnership theme group which looked at issues such as the prevention of extremism and community tensions, ESOL provision and the practitioners group for schools. Hillingdon Inter Faith Network, the Travellers Forum and a range of other voluntary organisations were also supported thro ugh the group’s action plan with regards capacity building and improvin g community engagement. Ms Jones advised that she had been chosen to work on a Nat ional project, which had now ended, as a community cohesion adv ocate, leading the way on improving community cohesion outcom es through schools. This role had given her the opportunity to sho wcase the work that had been undertaken by the Strong & Active Commu nities Partnership theme group on a national level and high light some of the unique approaches being developed and delivered in Hillingdon. The Department of Education had been particularly inte rested in the work that had been undertaken at Yeading Community House which had opened in February 2008. It was noted that a cele bratory event involving approximately 150 women would be held at the House on 19 June 2010. Page 2 With regard to understanding the risks and benefits asso ciated with community cohesion, Ms Gibbs advised that data had been p ulled together to help us understand what community cohesion looked like in Hillingdon – what were the positive factors and what m ight the challenges be, alongside mapping and understanding the diversity of the Borough and where those communities were, such as ra cist incidents and anti social behaviour. This has been cited as a unique approach by CLG to understanding community cohesion as, u nlike other boroughs, Hillingdon mapped both positive and n egative data across the area. It was anticipated that this would be b uilt upon over the next year and would then enable the Council to i dentify an even stronger understanding of what a strong and active commu nity looked like and would highlight where resources should be focussed. In December 2009, Ms Gibbs had been invited to attend a European conference in Sweden to talk about her experience in Hi llingdon with regard to community cohesion. Following this trip, a S wedish ministerial delegation visited Hillingdon to learn f rom the Council’s experience and use some of its ideas. It was noted that the Strong & Active Communities Part nership theme group was facing a number of challenges posed by the ra pidly changing communities, the diversity of their needs and a ccess to services which had a real impact on residents’ sense of bel onging. Alongside this was the continued threat of terrorism and far right extremism. The group would be focussing on the areas w here there were challenges and how these could be addressed in part nership as well as continuing to promote the positives. Further w ork would also need to be undertaken on how communities could be empo wered, tensions monitoring and partnership working across boundaries. It was suggested that Councillors feed back any information th at they were aware of in relation to local tensions in their Wards. Brunel University Professor Ian Campbell advised that the University had held a number of events over the last year around community cohesion which included One World Week 2010 and the Active for Life sch eme. In addition, work had been undertaken in relation to di sability and dyslexia. Members were advised that approximately 1,400 Brunel University students were now involved in volunteering following t he launch of an initiative to get more students working in the communit y. Professor Campbell stated that the students work in making allotme nts wheelchair accessible had gained them recognition at the recent Volunteer Awards evening. Members asked that their tha nks be passed on to the students that had been involved in the se volunteering activities as they had brought the community together. The University had also been involved in the Festival of Flight project. As part of One World Week Parents and children from the local schools involved were invited to the University campus and the e vent culminated in some of the parents applying for courses. A further Page 3 event was planned for 16 July 2010 to raise aspirations, develop children’s skills and engage with their parents. With regard to extremism, support was provided for stud ents to enable them to speak to their peers. The key aim of the education week held at Brunel Unive rsity this year was to engage with as many cultures as possible. Childr en from nine local schools visited the University and had been given th e task of pretending to be from a different country. This invo lved things like dressing in national costume, eating national food and gave them a better understanding of other cultures. Union of Brunel Students It was noted that the Union of Brunel Students had coo rdinated RAG week (which raised approximately £20k for the local commu nity) and put on events including FRESH (a festival of creative e xpression that reached out into the community) and a fashion show whi ch raised approximately £1k for cancer community care in West Dray ton. It was anticipated that more events would be organised in the future. Hillingdon Association of Voluntary Services (HAVS) Mr Ted Hill advised that there were now more than 40 0 groups affiliated to HAVS with approximately 40,000 volunt eers. It was noted that the economic situation was a worry for the organ isation in that the demand for voluntary services had increased whilst the ca pacity had decreased. Members were advised that the Council had gi ven additional funding to Citizens Advice Bureau and to R elate which had eased their financial situation. HAVS had fared well in the recent Audit Commission Place Survey with regard to local people feeling that they could make a difference and contribute to changes. Other work being undertaken by HAVS included: • an Equalities Conference held in March 2010 which inclu ded organisations from across the Borough – HAVS was now analysing the feedback from this Conference • a Child Services Showcase held in April 2010 • the development of the HAVS website • engagement with groups that didn’t usually engage wi th HAVS such as encouraging those people who didn’t have English as their first language to attend IT courses Hillingdon Inter Faith Network It was noted that there were more than 80 different faith groups providing over 900 community activities in the Borough . Mr Struthers advised that there had been much work undertaken since t he last External Services Scrutiny Committee meeting which included: • the Brunel University Youth on Religion (YOR) resear ch project – it was anticipated that the results of the phase 1 of this project would assist individual high schools as well as the Standin g Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) • a number of schools running inter faith events through the year Page 4 with the help of Network members • appendices in relation to guidance relevant to faith s being included in the Healthy Hillingdon publication Managi ng Loss, Trauma and Crisis • the Hillingdon Walk of Peace which attracted over 30 0 people with schools, faith groups and other agencies involved • the first National Week of Faith which logged over 15 different activities Mr Struthers advised that there were great opportunit ies for strategic planning and a need to recognise that some of the vol untary organisations were not as good as they could be about m eeting the faith needs of their volunteers. Further work would b e undertaken to address this. Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) Chief Inspector (CI) Hartnett advised that policing re volved around the prevention and detection of crime but that community co hesion was an integral part of this. In the last year, the MPS ha d engaged with more than 10,000 people who had attended Panel meetings. More than 3,000 children were now involved in the Jun ior Citizen scheme which involved Year 6pupils. This scheme was seen as one of the best in London. It was noted that there were now more than 60 volunt ary Police Cadets which included children from disadvantaged backgrounds. I t was hoped that there would be three Corps running by the end of the year. In addition, the MPS had 85 volunteers who had contri buted approximately 10,000 volunteer hours and 60 Special Constables. The MPS had been involved in the One World Week even t organised by Brunel University. It was noted that there had be en a positive reaction to the police uniform (as well as the Mayoral robes) from the children that had attended the event. CI Hartnett advised that, with regard to hate crime a nd community tensions, the MPS was working closely with Ms Gibbs. Howev er, it was noted that Hillingdon had one of the lowest level s of hate crime in London. CI Hartnett stated that the area with the highest levels in the Borough changed each year. Members were advised that the MPS could provide fundi ng for the promotion of community groups. As an example of the applications that were being received from community groups, CI Ha rtnett stated that one group had applied and received funding for a new sewing machine. London Fire Brigade (LFB) Mr Gribble advised Members that the fire cadets had no t yet been established in Hillingdon. Two other London boroughs had set up cadets and their progress would be monitored before thi s was taken forward in Hillingdon. Page 5 It was noted that, 20+ years ago, there was no communit y aspect to the work of the LFB. However, there were now a numb er of smaller projects being undertaken by each station. In Hillingdo n, these included work on Domestic Violence, drug and alcohol abu se. Mr Gribble believed that the most vulnerable people in our society were the ones most susceptible to fire and it was important t o ensure that the LFB targeted them. The LFB had hosted the Junior Citizen event which had been attended by app roximately 3,000 children from a huge number of schoo ls. Consideration would be given to widening out the VIP day to enable more Councillors to attend the event. In addition, the LFB was running the Junior Firesetter s Intervention Scheme which involved firefighters volunteering to meet with young people who had shown an interest in fire (and their parents), to reduce this interest. Dealing with this issue at an early age would help prevent these individuals from committing arson at a later age. The LIFE project identified young people aged 13-18 who had been in trouble or who had experienced problems communicating. The project held courses at Wembley headquarters costing £1,000 per p erson (for a maximum of 20 young people) and lasted for a week. The courses encouraged the participants to work as a team. Mr Gribble had been visiting secondary schools for more t han five years and had talked to more than 7,000 students. Th e purpose of his visits was to ensure make young people more aware of th e non- obvious consequences of fires. He had also been involved in giving talks to Year 6 students on road safety. Hillingdon Primary Care Trust (PCT) Dr Friedman observed that community cohesion resulted in positive effects such as an increased sense of wellbeing, a better e conomy and the prevention of hate crimes. It was suggested that th e provision of positive role models would help individuals to have a pride in their community. Dr Friedman advised that those communities that fared best were where there was an equality of opportunity and fairn ess. There were clear links between inequality and community cohesion. Mr Shaylor noted that much good work was continuing acr oss the Borough. He advised that Ms Gibbs had been leading fo r the Council on a project which was looking at the needs of Somali fa milies. A report was being compiled from the findings (which inclu ded positive feedback) and was expected to be available by the end of July 2010. It was clear that the economy was continuing to be a pre ssure on employment which could cause tensions between communities. There were a small number of incidents of gang crime in the B orough despite there being a large ethnic mix. It was also noted tha t there was a relatively low level of racial harassment in the Borou gh with approximately 100 cases being reported to the Council and 350 cases Page 6 reported to the police each year. It was anticipated that further work would be undertaken by the Council in relation to licensing. Members advised that the Council’s Residents’ and Environ mental Services Policy Overview Committee would be undertaking a review on KHAT. It was noted that Mr David Brough, Chairman o f Hayes Town Partnership, had written to the Home Office to ask tha t consideration be given to making the drug illegal. Members were kee n to raise awareness of the impact that KHAT could have on health , e.g., it could cause throat cancer. In order to address inequalities, there would need to be continued partnership working and a commitment to ensuring that all services were available to everyone. It was also thought impo rtant to be aware of the new communities within the Borough and issues th at were relevant to them, e.g., economic, education, health, etc. Voting for groups such as the BNP and National Front w as quite high during the recent elections. Rather than lobby again st them, organisations had worked to mitigate the problems caused. It was thought important to challenge perpetrators of abuse a nd use any powers available to deal with the issues, e.g., ASBOs, tenancy injunctions, etc. RESOLVED: That the reports be noted. 5. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING - 31 MARCH 2010 (Agenda Item 3) Action by RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 31 March 2010 be agreed as a correct record. 6. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING - 13 MAY 2010 (Agenda Item 4) Action by RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 13 May 2010 be agreed as a correct record. 7. WORK PROGRAMME (Agenda Item 7) Action by 16 June 2010 It was noted that Councillor Philip Corthorne, as the Cabinet Member for Social Services, Health and Housing, be invited to attend the meeting which would focus on the vertical integration of provider services and the Hillingdon LINk. 14 July 2010 Safer Transport would be considered at this meeting (ra ther than 22 September 2010 which had been suggested on the draft W ork Programme attached to the agenda). Page 7 22 September 2010 It was agreed that this meeting be cancelled. Should a n urgent matter arise around this time, a replacement meeting could be scheduled. 28 October 2010 As suggested on the draft Work Programme attached to the agenda. 24 November 2010 It was agreed that the progress and effectiveness of prov ider services be considered at this meeting. Members suggested that spe ech and language therapy be included at this meeting as well a s end of life care: focussing residents’ expectations, provision of clear guidance, options available and where help could be obtained. 11 January 2011 To be decided. 23 February 2011 / 30 March 2011 / 26 April 2011 As suggested on the draft Work Programme attached to the agenda. Health Inequalities Working Group It was agreed that a Working Group be set up to conside r the effect of overcrowding on educational attainment and children’s d evelopment. Councillors O’Connor, Kelly and White would participat e in this Working Group. The Democratic Services Manager would con tact the Labour Group Chief Whip to request two Labour Member s for the Working Group and to advise that Councillor O’Connor h ad specifically requested that Councillor Jarjussey be one of these. On ce these names had been confirmed, consideration would be given to ensuring that there was a representative from the Education and Children’s Services POC and the Social Services, Health and Housing POC on the Working Group. Children’s Suicide & Self-Harm Working Group Once the Health Inequalities Working Group had complet ed its review, consideration would be given to setting up a Working Gr oup to look at children’s suicide and self harm. RESOLVED: That: 1. the Democratic Services Manager contact the Labo ur Group Chief Whip to request two Labour Members for the He alth Inequalities Working Group; and 2. the Work Programme be agreed subject to the abov e amendments. The meeting, which commenced at 5.00 pm, closed at 7.50 pm. These are the minutes of the above meeting. For more information on any of the resolutions please contact Nikki Stubbs on 01895 250472. Circulation of these minutes is to Councillors, Officers, the Press and Members of the Public. Page 8 Minutes EXTERNAL SERVICES SCRUTINY COMMITTEE 16 June 2010 Meeting held at Committee Room 4 - Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge UB8 1UW Committee Members Present: Councillors Mary O’Connor (Chairman), Phoday Jarjussey (Labour Lead), Dominic Gilham (Substituting for Councillor Michael White), Shirley Harper-O’Neill (Substituting for Councillor Judy Kelly) and Peter Kemp Witnesses Present: Dr Ellis Friedman, Joint Director of Public Health – PCT Maria O’Brien, Managing Director, Hillingdon Community Health – PCT Keith Bullen, Chief Operating Officer – PCT John Vaughan, Director of Strategic Planning and Partnership – Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust Sandra Brookes, Service Director for Hillingdon – Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust Mick May, Group Managing Director – Groundwork Thames Valley Gary Jacob, Executive Director – Groundwork Thames Valley Graham Hawkes, Interim Manager – Hillingdon LINk Ian Diamant, Vice-Chairman – Hillingdon LINk Others present: Councillors Philip Corthorne, Cabinet Member for Social Services, Health & Housing Councillors Beulah East and Robin Sansarpuri Malcolm Ellis, Standards Committee Vice-Chairman LBH Officers Present: Ian Edwards and Nikki Stubbs Public present: 2 8. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND TO REPORT THE PRESENCE OF ANY SUBSTITUTE MEMBERS (Agenda Item 1) Action by Councillors Michael White and Judy Kelly had given thei r apologies for this meeting and Councillors Dominic Gilham and Shirley Harper- O’Neill had attended as substitutes. 9. EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC (Agenda Item 3) Action by RESOLVED: That all items of business be considered in public. 10. PROGRESS OF LINK (Agenda Item 4) Action by Members were advised that there had been some unresolv ed issues with HAP UK and it had been mutually agreed to end the contract early, at the end of December 2009. Groundwork Thame s Valley Agenda Item 4 Page 9 (GTV) had agreed to take on the remainder of the con tract as the host for Hillingdon LINk until 31 March 2011. Very encoura ging feedback had been received from the LINk and Board members abo ut the progress Groundwork had made as the host. GTV was a long standing partner of the Council and had been asked to provide staff and manage the LINk contract at very short notice in an area with which it was unfamiliar. HAP UK staff had been transferred across to GTV under TUPE regulations (Transfer of Under takings (Protection of Employment)). Mr Mick May, Group Managing Director at GTV, stated tha t, as GTV was an environmental regeneration charity, it had stra yed outside of its usual area of expertise. Whilst GTV was happy to keep t he contract until 31 March 2011 and was happy to continue working with the Council on other projects, Mr May advised that GTV woul d not seek to renew the host contract. With regard to the future, Members were advised that t he availability of future funding for the LINk was unclear. Whatever the outcome, if Government funding was to be made available, it was almost inevitable that it would be at a much reduced level. Clarity w as needed on the situation - and soon. Concerns were expressed at the possibility that the Gover nment might merge the LINk into Healthwatch which was practitioner-b ased and was more focussed on health than care. Should the Gove rnment decide to make any significant changes, it was likely that changes in primary legislation would be required. Mr Graham Hawkes, Interim Manager of the Hillingdon L INk, thanked the Council, the support team and GTV for their suppo rt over the last few months. Since GTV had taken over the contract, mu ch work had b een undertaken which included a new website with lots o f features. This website had been developed at less than a third of the cost of the previous website. The support provided to the LINk had also increased from 15 hours per week to 74 hours per week with the po ssibility of this increasing to 96 hours per week. The Mall Pavilions sho pping centre had also provided free office accommodation to the LIN k and had offered the use of a vacant shop at the centre for a minimal cost. Work had been undertaken by the LINk to engage with th e community in a variety of ways which included events and liaising with groups such as Brunel University – particularly with hard to reach groups. Further work had been done with Residents’ groups and the LINk had been involved in a number of specific issues (e.g., Hay es Town Medical Centre and the HESA medical extension, integra tion of Hillingdon Community Health (HCH) with Central & No rth West London NHS Foundation Trust). In total, it was believed th at the LINk had engaged with more than 10,000 people, soliciting the ir views on a variety of issues. Mr Hawkes advised that Hillingdon LINk had been working with Somali community leaders. This group had been involved in a survey that was Page 10 underway which looked at the impact of KHAT. Mr Hawkes would pass the results of this survey on to the Committee once they were available. Members queried how efforts were being made to make th e blood pressure and blood test service accessible to Residents if the y were still made to mak e an appointment or go to the hospital for this servi ce. Ms Maria O’Brien, Managing Director of HCH, advised th at the community phlebotomy service was commissioned through the PC T and was currently available to housebound Residents. Mr Keith Bullen, Chief Operating Officer at the PCT, advised that he would find out when these services would be generally available to Re sidents and pass this information on to the Committee. Members questioned whether the chiropody services had been reinstated at the HESA Centre following the swine flu outbreak. Ms O’Brien believed that the chiropody service at the HESA Centre was now running again but that she would seek clarificatio n and then get back to the Committee with a definitive answer. Ms O’Brien confirmed that district nurses and carers who v isited patients in the community continued to experience probl ems parking in areas where there were Residents’ parking schemes. Furthe r parking problems were also still being experienced at Hillingdon Hospital. RESOLVED: That: 1. Mr Graham Hawkes pass the results of the KHAT su rvey to the Committee once they were available; 2. Mr Keith Bullen find out when the blood pressure and blood test services would be generally available to Resid ents and pass this information on to the Committee; 3. Ms Maria O’Brien advise the Committee whether th e chiropody service had been reinstated at the HESA C entre; and 4. The report be noted. Graham Hawkes Keith Bullen Maria O’Brien 11. PROVIDER SERVICES (Agenda Item 5) Action by Ms Maria O’Brien, the Managing Director of Hillingdo n Community Health (HCH), advised that there were 32 different co mmunity services delivered by HCH which were split between adult service s and children’s services. For 2010/2011, an additional £600k had been secured from the PCT commissioning arm to develop services. Service developments that had already been established included the expansion of the community physiotherapy services, provisi on of ‘home’ phlebotomy service for housebound patients and t he introduction of a new wound care service for ambulant p atients. Further work was being undertaken regarding the expansi on of community rehabilitation services for Parkinson’s, dementia and stroke. Other work included: • The commencement of a new walk-in TB clinic in Hayes • Expansion of the paediatric community nursing service • Appointment of an additional 4 school nurses Page 11 • Appointment of a breast feeding co-ordinator Ms O’Brien acknowledged that there was still room for im provement but that HCH’s performance was tracked monthly. It was noted that the performance was now in the top quartile of commun ity arms across London. HCH had not performed well with regard to capturing ethnicity data and district nurse response times. It was believed that, in reality, the district nurse response times were not a problem as it was actually a recording issue. In 2006, the policy direction was to separate the commissi oning and provider arms of the PCT. This strategy did not appear to have changed with the new coalition Government. Monthly st aff side meetings had been held with the unions and Ms O’Brien had four- weekly talks with the teams. From this consultation with the staff, it was clear that an NHS solution was the preferred option . It was noted that the GPs had also been involved in the process at al l stages and concerns that they had raised had been resolved. It was noted that the internal separation of the commi ssioning and provider functions had taken place 18 months ago and was working well. The external separation would need to be mana ged carefully to ensure that Residents were aware that there would not be a reduction in services or a change in access points (unless the commissione rs decommissioned the service). There had been a number of options considered with regard to how the PCT would externally separate the commissioning and pr ovider functions which included: • Joining with one or more existing provider arms to fo rm a Community Foundation Trust – this was not a viable option • Integrate with an Acute Trust • Integrate with a Mental Health Trust • Integrate with a local authority – this was explored in detail • Form a social enterprise A high level options appraisal was conducted in January 2010 including an appraisal of potential partners against the following criteria: • Strategic fit • Quality and innovation • Leadership • Financial viability Hillingdon PCT reviewed all of the options in line with the above criteria and concluded that only two options were viable for shor t listing to the next stage of the process: Community Services Assessment Pan el or Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust (C NWL). The perceived benefits of selecting CNWL centred around imp roving outcomes and quality, the ease of service integration, cl inical sustainability, financial stability and whole system fit. The Joint Integration Commission (JIC) was in place to ov ersee the integration and ensure that patients received the best quality and Page 12 outcomes and that tax payers received the best value for money. Membership of the JIC included NHS Hillingdon, HCH, CN WL, HCH Staff Side, LINks, GPs (Practice-based Commissioning (PbC) ) and the Council. The proposals would now be the subject of a communicatio ns and engagement plan which would be considered by the staff and would be the subject of weekly written briefings, face-to-face me etings and posted on the Intranet. In addition, engagement was being undertaken with PbC/GPs, the LINk (and other patient/public groups) as well as the Council. The next steps of the process would be to produce a due diligence report and an integrated business plan. These would th en need to be approved by the Cooperation and Competition Panel ( CCP), Monitor, Hillingdon PCT and CNWL’s Board. Full approval would then be given by the NHS London Board. It was anticipated that the transfer would taken place on 1 April 2011 at the latest (although January 2011 was preferred). Following the completion of the transfe r, Hillingdon PCT would take on a contract management role with regard t o the provider services in Hillingdon. Mr John Vaughan, Director of Strategic Planning and Pa rtnership at CNWL, advised that CNWL had been talking to staff and consulted widely before the process had gone too far. CNWL wou ld ensure that it made improvements around access to services and would make sure that any staff efficiencies implemented would not have a negative impact on front line staff. Ms Sandra Brookes, CNWL’s Se rvice Director for Hillingdon, added that there were many areas where synergies could be realised. Members were advised that, if the proposal was successful, CNWL would be looking to establish financial efficiencies. It was noted that the majority of savings were likely to come from the PC T as it would no longer be supporting HCH. Mr Vaughan advised that on e of the advantages of CNWL being a Foundation Trust was that i t could use any surplus funding generated for the provision of serv ices such as the Wellbeing Centre at Boots the Chemist. Any savings made by the PCT could be reinvested into commissioning more services. Hillingdon PCTs Director of Communications was in the pro cess of developing a communications plan which would be an imp ortant tool to update staff and service users. A press release had been issued but it was recognised that this was not enough. More work would need to be undertaken to ensure that Residents were aware that th ere would not be a significant change to the services that they received . The timing and wording of this communication would be essential. The due diligence process required that key criteria be met, such as improved pathways to the community. These criteria h ad been borne in mind throughout the whole process to date. The due diligence process would culminate in the production of one report which would include background information (reports on accounts, estat es, clinical service, etc) and would illustrate that the proposal to appoint CNWL Page 13 was appropriate. This information would be checked by Monitor. CNWL advised that it had been rated mid-table in London in the patient survey. Significant improvements had been implemente d and CNWL had performed markedly better in the Community Survey this year than it had two years ago. Members agreed that this was a p ositive step forward. In response to a Member’s question, it was noted that an y complaints received about the service provided would either go to CNWL or the PCT in the first instance. Members requested that representatives from CNWL and Hil lingdon PCT attend the External Services Scrutiny Committee me eting being held on 24 November 2010 to update them on progress. RESOLVED: That: 1. representatives from Hillingdon PCT and CNWL be invited to attend the External Services Scrutiny Committee meeting on 24 November 2010; and 2. the report be noted. Nikki Stubbs The meeting, which commenced at 6.00 pm, closed at 7.50 pm. These are the minutes of the above meeting. For more information on any of the resolutions please contact Nikki Stubbs on 01895 250472. Circulation of these minutes is to Councillors, Officers, the Press and Members of the Public. Page 14 PART 1 – MEMBERS, PUBLIC & PRESS External Services Scrutiny Committee – 14 July 2010 SAFER TRANSPORT Officer Contact Nikki Stubbs, Deputy Chief Executive’s Office Papers with report None REASON FOR ITEM To enable the Committee to review the work being undertaken with regard to safer transport in the Borough. OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO THE COMMITTEE 1. Question the witnesses using the suggested questions/key l ines of enquiry 2. Ask additional questions as required 3. Make recommendations to address issues arising from discussi ons at the meeting INFORMATION Background 1. The Committee have asked to examine this issue on an annual basis following concerns raised by local residents about anti-social behaviour on buses and trains and on the way too and from public transport stops and inter-changes. 2. The main points noted in previous years are: • The vast majority of young people using buses are wel l-behaved and there is no clear empirical evidence to suggest an increase in ASB as a direct result of the free travel initiative; • Hillingdon does not have a large anti-social behaviou r problem on the local transport network in comparison to other boroughs. Most crime that did take place on public transport was fairly low level, e.g., rowdy children on their journeys to and from school. Large numbers of well behaved young people in high spirits can make a lot of noise - this is not necessarily the same as ASB; • TfL work with schools to promote safe and respectful beha viour on buses; • The Behaviour Code sets out certain levels of behavio ur that are expected of young people when travelling on buses; young people can have their free travel concession removed if they break this; • Over 16,000 under 16 Oyster photocards have been wit hdrawn by TfL; • TfL’s investment in CCTV and additional policing is en suring that the transport system is safer and more controlled than ever before; and • The free travel initiative is seeking to foster positiv e attitudes towards public transport that will last into adulthood, therefore it would not be appropriate to restrict the offer to daytimes. Agenda Item 6 Page 15 PART 1 – MEMBERS, PUBLIC & PRESS External Services Scrutiny Committee – 14 July 2010 3. TfL and the MPS are working together to tackle conce rns about increasing ASB on public transport. Safer Transport Teams (STTs) and Transport Hub Teams are extra police services being provided for the Borough. 4. The STT had, for some time, been visiting primary schools to talk to the pupils. This had now been extended to early years and secondary schools. 5. The STT received data from TfL on a daily basis to enable officer to track where problems were occurring. Trends could then be highlighted and addressed. It was through this work that the U4 and 140 buses had been identified as problem routes and then targeted through joint working between the STT and British Transport Police (BTP). Further work was also undertaken through joint working, particularly with Harrow and Ealing. 6. Operation Safe Bus involved significant police prese nce on buses. Further measures were put in place during the half term period and for Halloween. 7. Following the robbery attack on a woman at the subw ay in Carlyon Road under the A312 Hayes By-pass, Mr Dulling had undertaken a crime prevention audit at the scene. From this, a report was produced with recommendations for safety improvements at the subway site. 8. Similar crime prevention audits had been undertaken by Mr Dulling with regard to the Minet Country Park and the Avondale Estate. Remedial action was also being considered at Beck Theatre to restore the use of areas for passengers and the wider community. 9. There are 11 stations in the area and BTP work with the SNT, STT and residents to address any issues that had arisen and to build of the existing partnerships and relationships. The BTP spent time reassuring the public that the fear of crime was much higher than the actual levels of crime and that there were few instances of anti social behaviour in the Borough. 10. The BTP held monthly meetings with users of the public transport system. Issues that were identified at these meetings were added to the BTP action plan. Any action taken and issues resolved were reported back to these meetings. 11. BTP was pre-empting an increase in anti-social behaviour on the trains around certain times such as Halloween. This proactive approach enabled the BTP to deal with issues before they arose. It was noted that these actions, along with the work of the SNT, had helped reduce crime rates across the board and had contributed to the increase in the number of detections. 12. Members were generally very satisfied with the improvements that had been made and the resultant low levels of crime on the transport network in the Borough. It was acknowledged that the majority of young people using the transport system did not cause trouble. As such, the STT role was more to ensure that passengers could travel safely rather than a hard enforcement role. Page 16 PART 1 – MEMBERS, PUBLIC & PRESS External Services Scrutiny Committee – 14 July 2010 13. With regard to the removal of a young person’s Oyster Card, only TfL Revenue Control Inspectors have the authority to remove cards. This could be done on a temporary basis (once the young person had reached their destination) or on a permanent basis whereby the young person would have the right of appeal. Other actions that could be taken included the addition of a clause in an Anti Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) to prevent an individual who had been caught for graffiti from sitting on the top deck of a double decker bus. TfL were planning to implement a scheme called “Earn Your Travel Back”, whereby young people who had their Oyster Cards permanently removed could earn them back. 14. Hillingdon Early Intervention Panel comprises representatives from organisations including the Police, the Council and Hillingdon Homes. This Panel deals with all age groups but finds that there are a significant number of referrals for young people. If a referral had originated from the Safer Transport Team, consideration could be given to putting an Acceptable Behaviour Contract or an ASBO in place. It was noted that the BTP had applied a large number of Acceptable Behaviour Contracts, which could then be used to support a request for an ASBO if the need arose. The aim of this meeting: • Receive an annual up-date about the role and impact of the Hillingdon Safer Transport Team, the Transport Hub Team and British Transport Police • Examine any issues that may undermine or affect their effectiveness Witnesses 15. The representatives from the following organisations have been invited to attend the meeting: • British Transport Police • Metropolitan Police Service • Community Safety, LBH • Safer Transport Team • Transport Hub Team • Transport for London SUGGESTED SCRUTINY ACTIVITY Members to question representatives from the Metropolitan Police Service, British Transport Police and Transport for London on the developments regarding safety and decide whether to take any further action. BACKGROUND REPORTS None. Page 17 PART 1 – MEMBERS, PUBLIC & PRESS External Services Scrutiny Committee – 14 July 2010 SUGGESTED KEY QUESTIONS/LINES OF ENQUIRY 1. What are the major ASB problems on public transport in Hillingdon? 2. What activities has the Hillingdon Safer Transport Team (STT) undertaken to address these problems? 3. What difference has the STT made to ASB on public transport? 4. How does the STT relate to and work with the Briti sh Transport Police? Is there any overlap? 5. How are the priorities for the STT decided (i.e. h ow and where the STT will be deployed)? 6. For how long is the STT funded? Can the officers be abstracted to other duties? 7. Where does the remit of STTs end – e.g. are officer s able to deal with the issues around graffiti and vandalism of bus shelters? 8. What is the pattern in terms of ASB on buses: has the situation improved or got worse in the last year? 9. What has been the impact of the free travel initia tive? Has this caused increased ASB? 10. Is the process for identifying perpetrators of ASB and then removing free travel entitlement effective? Could this be improved? 11. What role does the Council have in tackling ASB on public transport? Could this role be enhanced or developed? 12. What issues undermine or affect the effectiveness of the STT? How could the STT become more effective? 13. Have Hillingdon schools worked with TfL to promote responsible behaviour by young people on public transport? Could these links be improved? Page 18 PART 1 – MEMBERS, PUBLIC AND PRESS External Services Scrutiny Committee – 14 July 2010 WORK PROGRAMME Officer Contact Nikki Stubbs, Deputy Chief Executive’s Office Papers with report Appendix A: Work Programme 2010/2011 REASON FOR REPORT To enable the Committee to track the progress of its work in accordance with good project management practice. OPTIONS OPEN TO THE COMMITTEE 1. Note the proposed Work Programme. 2. To make suggestions for/amendments to future working practices and/or reviews. INFORMATION 1. At its last meeting, the Committee agreed the atta ched Work Programme. Pale shading indicates completed meetings. 2. The meeting scheduled for 11 January 2011 has been l eft unallocated in order to allow time for either: • additional topics to be considered; or • further consideration to be given when undertaking e xisting topics identified on the Work Programme. 3. It should be noted that the meeting scheduled for 2 2 September 2010 has been cancelled. 4. With regard to the Health Inequalities Working Gro up, consideration needs to be given to the scheduling of its meetings and the witnesses that the Members would like to invite. SUGGESTED SCRUTINY ACTIVITY 1. Members note the Work Programme and make any amend ments as appropriate. 2. Ensure Members are clear on the work coming before t he Committee BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS None. Agenda Item 7 Page 19 PART 1 – MEMBERS, PUBLIC AND PRESS External Services Scrutiny Committee – 14 July 2010 APPENDIX A EXTERNAL SERVICES SCRUTINY COMMITTEE 2010/11 WORK PROGRAMME NB – all meetings start at 6pm in the Civic Centre unless otherwise indicated. Shading indicates completed meetings Meeting Date Agenda Item 9 June 2010 Community Cohesion Review The review the achievements of the following organisations since April 2009 with regards to Community Cohesion: • Metropolitan Police • London Fire Brigade • University of Brunel • Union of Brunel Students • Hillingdon Primary Care Trust • Strong & Active Communities • Hillingdon Inter Faith Network • Hillingdon Association of Voluntary Services LINk To receive a report on the progress of LINk in the Borough since the last update received by the Committee in June 2009. 16 June 2010 Provider Services Detailed scrutiny of provider services, with particular reference to vertical integration and the proposed appointment of Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust. 14 July 2010 Safer Transport To scrutinise the issue of safety with regards to transport in the Borough (Safer Neighbourhoods Team, Metropolitan Police Service and British Transport). 22 September 2010 CANCELLED 28 October 2010 NHS & GPs Performance updates and update on significant issues: • NHS • GPs Page 20 PART 1 – MEMBERS, PUBLIC AND PRESS External Services Scrutiny Committee – 14 July 2010 Meeting Date Agenda Item 24 November 2010 Provider Services Review of effectiveness of provider services (with particular reference to end of life care, TB, children’s speech and language therapy, physiotherapy and specialist community dentistry) and of the progress of the vertical integration: • CNWL • PCT 11 January 2011 23 February 2011 Crime & Disorder 30 March 2011 – 5pm Community Cohesion Review The review the achievements of the following organisations since June 2010 with regards to Community Cohesion: • Metropolitan Police • London Fire Brigade • University of Brunel • Union of Brunel Students • Hillingdon Primary Care Trust • Strong & Active Communities • Hillingdon Inter Faith Network • Hillingdon Association of Voluntary Services 26 April 2011 Quality Accounts & CQC Evidence Gathering • Hillingdon Primary Care Trust (PCT) • The Hillingdon Hospital NHS Trust • Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust • Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust • London Ambulance Service • Care Quality Commission (CQC) Page 21 PART 1 – MEMBERS, PUBLIC AND PRESS External Services Scrutiny Committee – 14 July 2010 Themes Future Work to be Undertaken Health Inequalities Working Group Comprising Councillors: • Judy Kelly • Mary O’Connor • Michael White • Phoday Jarjussey • John Major Detailed review of the impact of housing overcrowding on educational attainment and children’s development. Working Group Meeting dates: • To be arranged Witnesses • To be agreed Children’s Suicide and Self Harm Working Group Detailed review of children’s suicide and self harm. Page 22

Lloyd White Head of Democratic Services London Borough of Hillingdon, 3E/05, Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge, UB8 1UW www.hillingdon.gov.uk External Services Scrutiny Committee Date: WEDNESDAY, 14 JULY 2010 Time: 6.00 PM Venue: COMMITTEE ROOM 6 - CIVIC CENTRE, HIGH STREET, UXBRIDGE UB8 1UW Meeting Details: Members of the Public and Press are welcome to attend this meeting Councillors on the Committee Mary O'Connor (Chairman) Michael White (Vice-Chairman) Phoday Jarjussey (Labour Lead) Judy Kelly Peter Kemp Published: Tuesday, 6 July 2010 This agenda and associated reports can be made available in other languages, in braille, large print or on audio tape on request. Please contact us for further information. Contact: Nikki Stubbs Tel: 01895 250472 Fax: 01895 277373 Email: nstubbs@hillingdon.gov.uk This Agenda is available online at: http://modgov.hillingdon.gov.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CId=118&Year=2010 Public Document Pack Useful information Bus routes 427, U1, U3, U4 and U7 all stop at the Civic Centre. Uxbridge underground station, with the Piccadilly and Metropolitan lines, is a short walk away. Limited parking is available at the Civic Centre. For details on availability and how to book a parking space, please contact Democratic Services Please enter from the Council’s main reception where you will be directed to the Committee Room. An Induction Loop System is available for use in the various meeting rooms. Please contact us for further information. Please switch off any mobile telephones and BlackBerries™ before the meeting. Any recording of the meeting is not allowed, either using electronic, mobile or visual devices. If there is a FIRE in the building the alarm will sound continuously. If there is a BOMB ALERT the alarm sounds intermittently. Please make your way to the nearest FIRE EXIT. Terms of Reference 1. To scrutinise local NHS organisations in line with th e health powers conferred by the Health and Social Care Act 2001, including: (a) scrutiny of local NHS organisations by calling the relevant Chief Executive(s) to account for the work of their organisation(s) and undertaking a review into issues of concern; (b) consider NHS service reconfigurations which the Committee agree to be substantial, establishing a joint committee if the proposals affect more than one Overview and Scrutiny Committee area; and to refer contested major service configurations to the Independent Reconfiguration Panel (in accordance with the Health and Social Care Act); and (c) respond to any relevant NHS consultations. 2. To act as a Crime and Disorder Committee as defined in the Crime and Disorder (Overview and Scrutiny) Regulations 2009 and carry out the bi-annual scrutiny of decisions made, or other action taken, in connection with the discharge by the responsible authorities of their crime and disorder functions. 3. To scrutinise the work of non-Hillingdon Council agen cies whose actions affect residents of the London Borough of Hillingdon. 4. To identify areas of concern to the community within their remit and instigate an appropriate review process. Agenda PART I - MEMBERS, PUBLIC AND PRESS Page 1 Apologies for absence and to report the presence of any substitute Members 2 Declarations of Interest in matters coming before this meeting 3 Minutes of the meeting - 9 June 2010 1 - 8 4 Minutes of the meeting - 16 June 2010 9 - 14 5 Exclusion of Press and Public To confirm that all items marked Part 1 will be considered in public and that any items marked Part 2 will be considered in private 6 Safer Transport 15 - 18 7 Work Programme 19 - 22 PART II - PRIVATE, MEMBERS ONLY 8 Any Business transferred from Part 1 Minutes EXTERNAL SERVICES SCRUTINY COMMITTEE 9 June 2010 Meeting held at Committee Room 4 - Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge UB8 1UW Committee Members Present: Councillors Mary O’Connor (Chairman), Michael White (Vice-Chairman), Phoday Jarjussey (Labour Lead), Judy Kelly and Peter Kemp Witnesses Present: Superintendent Des Rock – Metropolitan Police Service Chief Inspector Maurice Hartnett – Metropolitan Police Service Carole Jones – Strong & Active Communities Partnership Dr Ellis Friedman, Joint Director of Public Health – PCT Professor Ian Campbell – Brunel University Yewande Akindele, Equality and Diversity Manager – Brunel University Ted Hill – Hillingdon Association of Voluntary Services (HAVS) Colin Gribble – London Fire Brigade Duncan Struthers – Hillingdon Inter Faith Network Others Present: Councillors Dominic Gilham and John Major Malcolm Ellis, Standards Committee Vice-Chairman LBH Officers Present: Ed Shaylor, Fiona Gibbs and Nikki Stubbs 3. EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC (Agenda Item 5) Action by RESOLVED: That all items be considered in public. 4. COMMUNITY COHESION: RESPONDING TO AND UNDERSTANDING LOCAL CHALLENGES (Agenda Item 6) Action by The Chairman welcomed those present to the meeting. This meeting had previously been scheduled for 26 April 2010 but ha d been cancelled following a power cut in the Civic Centre. Strong & Active Communities Partnership The purpose of the Strong & Active Communities Partner ship theme group, established in April 2009, was to provide the o pportunity for agencies delivering services across the Borough to come toget her to build strong and cohesive communities for residents in Hi llingdon and deliver priorities under the Hillingdon Sustainable Community Strategy. Strong & Active Communities Partnership was one of six thematic groups within Hillingdon's Local Strategic Partnership (LSP). As part of its work, the Strong & Active Communities Partnership t heme group was responsible for overseeing the impact of the Local Ar ea Agreement indicators, including monitoring their progre ss against Agenda Item 3 Page 1 agreed targets, and evaluating the impact of outcomes o n community cohesion across the Borough. Ms Fiona Gibbs, the Council’s Stronger Communities Manag er, advised that the Strong & Active Communities Partnershi p theme group was chaired by Ms Carole Jones. The core focus of t his group was around developing partnership working and developi ng models of good practice that could be shared and which were sustain able. One of the core areas of focus had been upon delivering pro grammes that engaged young people, schools and families Ms Jones stated that community cohesion and partnership wor king underpinned everything that was done by the Strong & Active Communities Partnership theme group. It was noted th at work had been undertaken with young people and their parents in nine schools in the Yeading area. In addition, the national Heartst one project Festival of Flight had been delivered in Hillingdon in 2009 and was now re- branded as Reach for the Sky - this project focussed on hel ping young people to understand discrimination and build aspiratio n. The project had been a joint partnership with Brunel University, Yeading Junior school, Healthy Hillingdon and Stronger Communities an d was now being cascaded to other schools with the young people who had already participated in the project acting as mentor s. The Strong & Active Communities Partnership theme group had been in volved in a number of other projects such as One World Week 2010 and Streets Ahead 2010 and plans were afoot for Hayes Carnival. Ms Jones circulated a booklet entitled Joining the Pieces which summ arised some of the best practice models of working that had been developed with Yeading Junior school and other partners as part of the Strong & Active Communities Partnership theme group action plan. It was noted that a range of sub groups had been estab lished by the Strong & Active Communities Partnership theme group which looked at issues such as the prevention of extremism and community tensions, ESOL provision and the practitioners group for schools. Hillingdon Inter Faith Network, the Travellers Forum and a range of other voluntary organisations were also supported thro ugh the group’s action plan with regards capacity building and improvin g community engagement. Ms Jones advised that she had been chosen to work on a Nat ional project, which had now ended, as a community cohesion adv ocate, leading the way on improving community cohesion outcom es through schools. This role had given her the opportunity to sho wcase the work that had been undertaken by the Strong & Active Commu nities Partnership theme group on a national level and high light some of the unique approaches being developed and delivered in Hillingdon. The Department of Education had been particularly inte rested in the work that had been undertaken at Yeading Community House which had opened in February 2008. It was noted that a cele bratory event involving approximately 150 women would be held at the House on 19 June 2010. Page 2 With regard to understanding the risks and benefits asso ciated with community cohesion, Ms Gibbs advised that data had been p ulled together to help us understand what community cohesion looked like in Hillingdon – what were the positive factors and what m ight the challenges be, alongside mapping and understanding the diversity of the Borough and where those communities were, such as ra cist incidents and anti social behaviour. This has been cited as a unique approach by CLG to understanding community cohesion as, u nlike other boroughs, Hillingdon mapped both positive and n egative data across the area. It was anticipated that this would be b uilt upon over the next year and would then enable the Council to i dentify an even stronger understanding of what a strong and active commu nity looked like and would highlight where resources should be focussed. In December 2009, Ms Gibbs had been invited to attend a European conference in Sweden to talk about her experience in Hi llingdon with regard to community cohesion. Following this trip, a S wedish ministerial delegation visited Hillingdon to learn f rom the Council’s experience and use some of its ideas. It was noted that the Strong & Active Communities Part nership theme group was facing a number of challenges posed by the ra pidly changing communities, the diversity of their needs and a ccess to services which had a real impact on residents’ sense of bel onging. Alongside this was the continued threat of terrorism and far right extremism. The group would be focussing on the areas w here there were challenges and how these could be addressed in part nership as well as continuing to promote the positives. Further w ork would also need to be undertaken on how communities could be empo wered, tensions monitoring and partnership working across boundaries. It was suggested that Councillors feed back any information th at they were aware of in relation to local tensions in their Wards. Brunel University Professor Ian Campbell advised that the University had held a number of events over the last year around community cohesion which included One World Week 2010 and the Active for Life sch eme. In addition, work had been undertaken in relation to di sability and dyslexia. Members were advised that approximately 1,400 Brunel University students were now involved in volunteering following t he launch of an initiative to get more students working in the communit y. Professor Campbell stated that the students work in making allotme nts wheelchair accessible had gained them recognition at the recent Volunteer Awards evening. Members asked that their tha nks be passed on to the students that had been involved in the se volunteering activities as they had brought the community together. The University had also been involved in the Festival of Flight project. As part of One World Week Parents and children from the local schools involved were invited to the University campus and the e vent culminated in some of the parents applying for courses. A further Page 3 event was planned for 16 July 2010 to raise aspirations, develop children’s skills and engage with their parents. With regard to extremism, support was provided for stud ents to enable them to speak to their peers. The key aim of the education week held at Brunel Unive rsity this year was to engage with as many cultures as possible. Childr en from nine local schools visited the University and had been given th e task of pretending to be from a different country. This invo lved things like dressing in national costume, eating national food and gave them a better understanding of other cultures. Union of Brunel Students It was noted that the Union of Brunel Students had coo rdinated RAG week (which raised approximately £20k for the local commu nity) and put on events including FRESH (a festival of creative e xpression that reached out into the community) and a fashion show whi ch raised approximately £1k for cancer community care in West Dray ton. It was anticipated that more events would be organised in the future. Hillingdon Association of Voluntary Services (HAVS) Mr Ted Hill advised that there were now more than 40 0 groups affiliated to HAVS with approximately 40,000 volunt eers. It was noted that the economic situation was a worry for the organ isation in that the demand for voluntary services had increased whilst the ca pacity had decreased. Members were advised that the Council had gi ven additional funding to Citizens Advice Bureau and to R elate which had eased their financial situation. HAVS had fared well in the recent Audit Commission Place Survey with regard to local people feeling that they could make a difference and contribute to changes. Other work being undertaken by HAVS included: • an Equalities Conference held in March 2010 which inclu ded organisations from across the Borough – HAVS was now analysing the feedback from this Conference • a Child Services Showcase held in April 2010 • the development of the HAVS website • engagement with groups that didn’t usually engage wi th HAVS such as encouraging those people who didn’t have English as their first language to attend IT courses Hillingdon Inter Faith Network It was noted that there were more than 80 different faith groups providing over 900 community activities in the Borough . Mr Struthers advised that there had been much work undertaken since t he last External Services Scrutiny Committee meeting which included: • the Brunel University Youth on Religion (YOR) resear ch project – it was anticipated that the results of the phase 1 of this project would assist individual high schools as well as the Standin g Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) • a number of schools running inter faith events through the year Page 4 with the help of Network members • appendices in relation to guidance relevant to faith s being included in the Healthy Hillingdon publication Managi ng Loss, Trauma and Crisis • the Hillingdon Walk of Peace which attracted over 30 0 people with schools, faith groups and other agencies involved • the first National Week of Faith which logged over 15 different activities Mr Struthers advised that there were great opportunit ies for strategic planning and a need to recognise that some of the vol untary organisations were not as good as they could be about m eeting the faith needs of their volunteers. Further work would b e undertaken to address this. Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) Chief Inspector (CI) Hartnett advised that policing re volved around the prevention and detection of crime but that community co hesion was an integral part of this. In the last year, the MPS ha d engaged with more than 10,000 people who had attended Panel meetings. More than 3,000 children were now involved in the Jun ior Citizen scheme which involved Year 6pupils. This scheme was seen as one of the best in London. It was noted that there were now more than 60 volunt ary Police Cadets which included children from disadvantaged backgrounds. I t was hoped that there would be three Corps running by the end of the year. In addition, the MPS had 85 volunteers who had contri buted approximately 10,000 volunteer hours and 60 Special Constables. The MPS had been involved in the One World Week even t organised by Brunel University. It was noted that there had be en a positive reaction to the police uniform (as well as the Mayoral robes) from the children that had attended the event. CI Hartnett advised that, with regard to hate crime a nd community tensions, the MPS was working closely with Ms Gibbs. Howev er, it was noted that Hillingdon had one of the lowest level s of hate crime in London. CI Hartnett stated that the area with the highest levels in the Borough changed each year. Members were advised that the MPS could provide fundi ng for the promotion of community groups. As an example of the applications that were being received from community groups, CI Ha rtnett stated that one group had applied and received funding for a new sewing machine. London Fire Brigade (LFB) Mr Gribble advised Members that the fire cadets had no t yet been established in Hillingdon. Two other London boroughs had set up cadets and their progress would be monitored before thi s was taken forward in Hillingdon. Page 5 It was noted that, 20+ years ago, there was no communit y aspect to the work of the LFB. However, there were now a numb er of smaller projects being undertaken by each station. In Hillingdo n, these included work on Domestic Violence, drug and alcohol abu se. Mr Gribble believed that the most vulnerable people in our society were the ones most susceptible to fire and it was important t o ensure that the LFB targeted them. The LFB had hosted the Junior Citizen event which had been attended by app roximately 3,000 children from a huge number of schoo ls. Consideration would be given to widening out the VIP day to enable more Councillors to attend the event. In addition, the LFB was running the Junior Firesetter s Intervention Scheme which involved firefighters volunteering to meet with young people who had shown an interest in fire (and their parents), to reduce this interest. Dealing with this issue at an early age would help prevent these individuals from committing arson at a later age. The LIFE project identified young people aged 13-18 who had been in trouble or who had experienced problems communicating. The project held courses at Wembley headquarters costing £1,000 per p erson (for a maximum of 20 young people) and lasted for a week. The courses encouraged the participants to work as a team. Mr Gribble had been visiting secondary schools for more t han five years and had talked to more than 7,000 students. Th e purpose of his visits was to ensure make young people more aware of th e non- obvious consequences of fires. He had also been involved in giving talks to Year 6 students on road safety. Hillingdon Primary Care Trust (PCT) Dr Friedman observed that community cohesion resulted in positive effects such as an increased sense of wellbeing, a better e conomy and the prevention of hate crimes. It was suggested that th e provision of positive role models would help individuals to have a pride in their community. Dr Friedman advised that those communities that fared best were where there was an equality of opportunity and fairn ess. There were clear links between inequality and community cohesion. Mr Shaylor noted that much good work was continuing acr oss the Borough. He advised that Ms Gibbs had been leading fo r the Council on a project which was looking at the needs of Somali fa milies. A report was being compiled from the findings (which inclu ded positive feedback) and was expected to be available by the end of July 2010. It was clear that the economy was continuing to be a pre ssure on employment which could cause tensions between communities. There were a small number of incidents of gang crime in the B orough despite there being a large ethnic mix. It was also noted tha t there was a relatively low level of racial harassment in the Borou gh with approximately 100 cases being reported to the Council and 350 cases Page 6 reported to the police each year. It was anticipated that further work would be undertaken by the Council in relation to licensing. Members advised that the Council’s Residents’ and Environ mental Services Policy Overview Committee would be undertaking a review on KHAT. It was noted that Mr David Brough, Chairman o f Hayes Town Partnership, had written to the Home Office to ask tha t consideration be given to making the drug illegal. Members were kee n to raise awareness of the impact that KHAT could have on health , e.g., it could cause throat cancer. In order to address inequalities, there would need to be continued partnership working and a commitment to ensuring that all services were available to everyone. It was also thought impo rtant to be aware of the new communities within the Borough and issues th at were relevant to them, e.g., economic, education, health, etc. Voting for groups such as the BNP and National Front w as quite high during the recent elections. Rather than lobby again st them, organisations had worked to mitigate the problems caused. It was thought important to challenge perpetrators of abuse a nd use any powers available to deal with the issues, e.g., ASBOs, tenancy injunctions, etc. RESOLVED: That the reports be noted. 5. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING - 31 MARCH 2010 (Agenda Item 3) Action by RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 31 March 2010 be agreed as a correct record. 6. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING - 13 MAY 2010 (Agenda Item 4) Action by RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 13 May 2010 be agreed as a correct record. 7. WORK PROGRAMME (Agenda Item 7) Action by 16 June 2010 It was noted that Councillor Philip Corthorne, as the Cabinet Member for Social Services, Health and Housing, be invited to attend the meeting which would focus on the vertical integration of provider services and the Hillingdon LINk. 14 July 2010 Safer Transport would be considered at this meeting (ra ther than 22 September 2010 which had been suggested on the draft W ork Programme attached to the agenda). Page 7 22 September 2010 It was agreed that this meeting be cancelled. Should a n urgent matter arise around this time, a replacement meeting could be scheduled. 28 October 2010 As suggested on the draft Work Programme attached to the agenda. 24 November 2010 It was agreed that the progress and effectiveness of prov ider services be considered at this meeting. Members suggested that spe ech and language therapy be included at this meeting as well a s end of life care: focussing residents’ expectations, provision of clear guidance, options available and where help could be obtained. 11 January 2011 To be decided. 23 February 2011 / 30 March 2011 / 26 April 2011 As suggested on the draft Work Programme attached to the agenda. Health Inequalities Working Group It was agreed that a Working Group be set up to conside r the effect of overcrowding on educational attainment and children’s d evelopment. Councillors O’Connor, Kelly and White would participat e in this Working Group. The Democratic Services Manager would con tact the Labour Group Chief Whip to request two Labour Member s for the Working Group and to advise that Councillor O’Connor h ad specifically requested that Councillor Jarjussey be one of these. On ce these names had been confirmed, consideration would be given to ensuring that there was a representative from the Education and Children’s Services POC and the Social Services, Health and Housing POC on the Working Group. Children’s Suicide & Self-Harm Working Group Once the Health Inequalities Working Group had complet ed its review, consideration would be given to setting up a Working Gr oup to look at children’s suicide and self harm. RESOLVED: That: 1. the Democratic Services Manager contact the Labo ur Group Chief Whip to request two Labour Members for the He alth Inequalities Working Group; and 2. the Work Programme be agreed subject to the abov e amendments. The meeting, which commenced at 5.00 pm, closed at 7.50 pm. These are the minutes of the above meeting. For more information on any of the resolutions please contact Nikki Stubbs on 01895 250472. Circulation of these minutes is to Councillors, Officers, the Press and Members of the Public. Page 8 Minutes EXTERNAL SERVICES SCRUTINY COMMITTEE 16 June 2010 Meeting held at Committee Room 4 - Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge UB8 1UW Committee Members Present: Councillors Mary O’Connor (Chairman), Phoday Jarjussey (Labour Lead), Dominic Gilham (Substituting for Councillor Michael White), Shirley Harper-O’Neill (Substituting for Councillor Judy Kelly) and Peter Kemp Witnesses Present: Dr Ellis Friedman, Joint Director of Public Health – PCT Maria O’Brien, Managing Director, Hillingdon Community Health – PCT Keith Bullen, Chief Operating Officer – PCT John Vaughan, Director of Strategic Planning and Partnership – Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust Sandra Brookes, Service Director for Hillingdon – Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust Mick May, Group Managing Director – Groundwork Thames Valley Gary Jacob, Executive Director – Groundwork Thames Valley Graham Hawkes, Interim Manager – Hillingdon LINk Ian Diamant, Vice-Chairman – Hillingdon LINk Others present: Councillors Philip Corthorne, Cabinet Member for Social Services, Health & Housing Councillors Beulah East and Robin Sansarpuri Malcolm Ellis, Standards Committee Vice-Chairman LBH Officers Present: Ian Edwards and Nikki Stubbs Public present: 2 8. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND TO REPORT THE PRESENCE OF ANY SUBSTITUTE MEMBERS (Agenda Item 1) Action by Councillors Michael White and Judy Kelly had given thei r apologies for this meeting and Councillors Dominic Gilham and Shirley Harper- O’Neill had attended as substitutes. 9. EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC (Agenda Item 3) Action by RESOLVED: That all items of business be considered in public. 10. PROGRESS OF LINK (Agenda Item 4) Action by Members were advised that there had been some unresolv ed issues with HAP UK and it had been mutually agreed to end the contract early, at the end of December 2009. Groundwork Thame s Valley Agenda Item 4 Page 9 (GTV) had agreed to take on the remainder of the con tract as the host for Hillingdon LINk until 31 March 2011. Very encoura ging feedback had been received from the LINk and Board members abo ut the progress Groundwork had made as the host. GTV was a long standing partner of the Council and had been asked to provide staff and manage the LINk contract at very short notice in an area with which it was unfamiliar. HAP UK staff had been transferred across to GTV under TUPE regulations (Transfer of Under takings (Protection of Employment)). Mr Mick May, Group Managing Director at GTV, stated tha t, as GTV was an environmental regeneration charity, it had stra yed outside of its usual area of expertise. Whilst GTV was happy to keep t he contract until 31 March 2011 and was happy to continue working with the Council on other projects, Mr May advised that GTV woul d not seek to renew the host contract. With regard to the future, Members were advised that t he availability of future funding for the LINk was unclear. Whatever the outcome, if Government funding was to be made available, it was almost inevitable that it would be at a much reduced level. Clarity w as needed on the situation - and soon. Concerns were expressed at the possibility that the Gover nment might merge the LINk into Healthwatch which was practitioner-b ased and was more focussed on health than care. Should the Gove rnment decide to make any significant changes, it was likely that changes in primary legislation would be required. Mr Graham Hawkes, Interim Manager of the Hillingdon L INk, thanked the Council, the support team and GTV for their suppo rt over the last few months. Since GTV had taken over the contract, mu ch work had b een undertaken which included a new website with lots o f features. This website had been developed at less than a third of the cost of the previous website. The support provided to the LINk had also increased from 15 hours per week to 74 hours per week with the po ssibility of this increasing to 96 hours per week. The Mall Pavilions sho pping centre had also provided free office accommodation to the LIN k and had offered the use of a vacant shop at the centre for a minimal cost. Work had been undertaken by the LINk to engage with th e community in a variety of ways which included events and liaising with groups such as Brunel University – particularly with hard to reach groups. Further work had been done with Residents’ groups and the LINk had been involved in a number of specific issues (e.g., Hay es Town Medical Centre and the HESA medical extension, integra tion of Hillingdon Community Health (HCH) with Central & No rth West London NHS Foundation Trust). In total, it was believed th at the LINk had engaged with more than 10,000 people, soliciting the ir views on a variety of issues. Mr Hawkes advised that Hillingdon LINk had been working with Somali community leaders. This group had been involved in a survey that was Page 10 underway which looked at the impact of KHAT. Mr Hawkes would pass the results of this survey on to the Committee once they were available. Members queried how efforts were being made to make th e blood pressure and blood test service accessible to Residents if the y were still made to mak e an appointment or go to the hospital for this servi ce. Ms Maria O’Brien, Managing Director of HCH, advised th at the community phlebotomy service was commissioned through the PC T and was currently available to housebound Residents. Mr Keith Bullen, Chief Operating Officer at the PCT, advised that he would find out when these services would be generally available to Re sidents and pass this information on to the Committee. Members questioned whether the chiropody services had been reinstated at the HESA Centre following the swine flu outbreak. Ms O’Brien believed that the chiropody service at the HESA Centre was now running again but that she would seek clarificatio n and then get back to the Committee with a definitive answer. Ms O’Brien confirmed that district nurses and carers who v isited patients in the community continued to experience probl ems parking in areas where there were Residents’ parking schemes. Furthe r parking problems were also still being experienced at Hillingdon Hospital. RESOLVED: That: 1. Mr Graham Hawkes pass the results of the KHAT su rvey to the Committee once they were available; 2. Mr Keith Bullen find out when the blood pressure and blood test services would be generally available to Resid ents and pass this information on to the Committee; 3. Ms Maria O’Brien advise the Committee whether th e chiropody service had been reinstated at the HESA C entre; and 4. The report be noted. Graham Hawkes Keith Bullen Maria O’Brien 11. PROVIDER SERVICES (Agenda Item 5) Action by Ms Maria O’Brien, the Managing Director of Hillingdo n Community Health (HCH), advised that there were 32 different co mmunity services delivered by HCH which were split between adult service s and children’s services. For 2010/2011, an additional £600k had been secured from the PCT commissioning arm to develop services. Service developments that had already been established included the expansion of the community physiotherapy services, provisi on of ‘home’ phlebotomy service for housebound patients and t he introduction of a new wound care service for ambulant p atients. Further work was being undertaken regarding the expansi on of community rehabilitation services for Parkinson’s, dementia and stroke. Other work included: • The commencement of a new walk-in TB clinic in Hayes • Expansion of the paediatric community nursing service • Appointment of an additional 4 school nurses Page 11 • Appointment of a breast feeding co-ordinator Ms O’Brien acknowledged that there was still room for im provement but that HCH’s performance was tracked monthly. It was noted that the performance was now in the top quartile of commun ity arms across London. HCH had not performed well with regard to capturing ethnicity data and district nurse response times. It was believed that, in reality, the district nurse response times were not a problem as it was actually a recording issue. In 2006, the policy direction was to separate the commissi oning and provider arms of the PCT. This strategy did not appear to have changed with the new coalition Government. Monthly st aff side meetings had been held with the unions and Ms O’Brien had four- weekly talks with the teams. From this consultation with the staff, it was clear that an NHS solution was the preferred option . It was noted that the GPs had also been involved in the process at al l stages and concerns that they had raised had been resolved. It was noted that the internal separation of the commi ssioning and provider functions had taken place 18 months ago and was working well. The external separation would need to be mana ged carefully to ensure that Residents were aware that there would not be a reduction in services or a change in access points (unless the commissione rs decommissioned the service). There had been a number of options considered with regard to how the PCT would externally separate the commissioning and pr ovider functions which included: • Joining with one or more existing provider arms to fo rm a Community Foundation Trust – this was not a viable option • Integrate with an Acute Trust • Integrate with a Mental Health Trust • Integrate with a local authority – this was explored in detail • Form a social enterprise A high level options appraisal was conducted in January 2010 including an appraisal of potential partners against the following criteria: • Strategic fit • Quality and innovation • Leadership • Financial viability Hillingdon PCT reviewed all of the options in line with the above criteria and concluded that only two options were viable for shor t listing to the next stage of the process: Community Services Assessment Pan el or Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust (C NWL). The perceived benefits of selecting CNWL centred around imp roving outcomes and quality, the ease of service integration, cl inical sustainability, financial stability and whole system fit. The Joint Integration Commission (JIC) was in place to ov ersee the integration and ensure that patients received the best quality and Page 12 outcomes and that tax payers received the best value for money. Membership of the JIC included NHS Hillingdon, HCH, CN WL, HCH Staff Side, LINks, GPs (Practice-based Commissioning (PbC) ) and the Council. The proposals would now be the subject of a communicatio ns and engagement plan which would be considered by the staff and would be the subject of weekly written briefings, face-to-face me etings and posted on the Intranet. In addition, engagement was being undertaken with PbC/GPs, the LINk (and other patient/public groups) as well as the Council. The next steps of the process would be to produce a due diligence report and an integrated business plan. These would th en need to be approved by the Cooperation and Competition Panel ( CCP), Monitor, Hillingdon PCT and CNWL’s Board. Full approval would then be given by the NHS London Board. It was anticipated that the transfer would taken place on 1 April 2011 at the latest (although January 2011 was preferred). Following the completion of the transfe r, Hillingdon PCT would take on a contract management role with regard t o the provider services in Hillingdon. Mr John Vaughan, Director of Strategic Planning and Pa rtnership at CNWL, advised that CNWL had been talking to staff and consulted widely before the process had gone too far. CNWL wou ld ensure that it made improvements around access to services and would make sure that any staff efficiencies implemented would not have a negative impact on front line staff. Ms Sandra Brookes, CNWL’s Se rvice Director for Hillingdon, added that there were many areas where synergies could be realised. Members were advised that, if the proposal was successful, CNWL would be looking to establish financial efficiencies. It was noted that the majority of savings were likely to come from the PC T as it would no longer be supporting HCH. Mr Vaughan advised that on e of the advantages of CNWL being a Foundation Trust was that i t could use any surplus funding generated for the provision of serv ices such as the Wellbeing Centre at Boots the Chemist. Any savings made by the PCT could be reinvested into commissioning more services. Hillingdon PCTs Director of Communications was in the pro cess of developing a communications plan which would be an imp ortant tool to update staff and service users. A press release had been issued but it was recognised that this was not enough. More work would need to be undertaken to ensure that Residents were aware that th ere would not be a significant change to the services that they received . The timing and wording of this communication would be essential. The due diligence process required that key criteria be met, such as improved pathways to the community. These criteria h ad been borne in mind throughout the whole process to date. The due diligence process would culminate in the production of one report which would include background information (reports on accounts, estat es, clinical service, etc) and would illustrate that the proposal to appoint CNWL Page 13 was appropriate. This information would be checked by Monitor. CNWL advised that it had been rated mid-table in London in the patient survey. Significant improvements had been implemente d and CNWL had performed markedly better in the Community Survey this year than it had two years ago. Members agreed that this was a p ositive step forward. In response to a Member’s question, it was noted that an y complaints received about the service provided would either go to CNWL or the PCT in the first instance. Members requested that representatives from CNWL and Hil lingdon PCT attend the External Services Scrutiny Committee me eting being held on 24 November 2010 to update them on progress. RESOLVED: That: 1. representatives from Hillingdon PCT and CNWL be invited to attend the External Services Scrutiny Committee meeting on 24 November 2010; and 2. the report be noted. Nikki Stubbs The meeting, which commenced at 6.00 pm, closed at 7.50 pm. These are the minutes of the above meeting. For more information on any of the resolutions please contact Nikki Stubbs on 01895 250472. Circulation of these minutes is to Councillors, Officers, the Press and Members of the Public. Page 14 PART 1 – MEMBERS, PUBLIC & PRESS External Services Scrutiny Committee – 14 July 2010 SAFER TRANSPORT Officer Contact Nikki Stubbs, Deputy Chief Executive’s Office Papers with report None REASON FOR ITEM To enable the Committee to review the work being undertaken with regard to safer transport in the Borough. OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO THE COMMITTEE 1. Question the witnesses using the suggested questions/key l ines of enquiry 2. Ask additional questions as required 3. Make recommendations to address issues arising from discussi ons at the meeting INFORMATION Background 1. The Committee have asked to examine this issue on an annual basis following concerns raised by local residents about anti-social behaviour on buses and trains and on the way too and from public transport stops and inter-changes. 2. The main points noted in previous years are: • The vast majority of young people using buses are wel l-behaved and there is no clear empirical evidence to suggest an increase in ASB as a direct result of the free travel initiative; • Hillingdon does not have a large anti-social behaviou r problem on the local transport network in comparison to other boroughs. Most crime that did take place on public transport was fairly low level, e.g., rowdy children on their journeys to and from school. Large numbers of well behaved young people in high spirits can make a lot of noise - this is not necessarily the same as ASB; • TfL work with schools to promote safe and respectful beha viour on buses; • The Behaviour Code sets out certain levels of behavio ur that are expected of young people when travelling on buses; young people can have their free travel concession removed if they break this; • Over 16,000 under 16 Oyster photocards have been wit hdrawn by TfL; • TfL’s investment in CCTV and additional policing is en suring that the transport system is safer and more controlled than ever before; and • The free travel initiative is seeking to foster positiv e attitudes towards public transport that will last into adulthood, therefore it would not be appropriate to restrict the offer to daytimes. Agenda Item 6 Page 15 PART 1 – MEMBERS, PUBLIC & PRESS External Services Scrutiny Committee – 14 July 2010 3. TfL and the MPS are working together to tackle conce rns about increasing ASB on public transport. Safer Transport Teams (STTs) and Transport Hub Teams are extra police services being provided for the Borough. 4. The STT had, for some time, been visiting primary schools to talk to the pupils. This had now been extended to early years and secondary schools. 5. The STT received data from TfL on a daily basis to enable officer to track where problems were occurring. Trends could then be highlighted and addressed. It was through this work that the U4 and 140 buses had been identified as problem routes and then targeted through joint working between the STT and British Transport Police (BTP). Further work was also undertaken through joint working, particularly with Harrow and Ealing. 6. Operation Safe Bus involved significant police prese nce on buses. Further measures were put in place during the half term period and for Halloween. 7. Following the robbery attack on a woman at the subw ay in Carlyon Road under the A312 Hayes By-pass, Mr Dulling had undertaken a crime prevention audit at the scene. From this, a report was produced with recommendations for safety improvements at the subway site. 8. Similar crime prevention audits had been undertaken by Mr Dulling with regard to the Minet Country Park and the Avondale Estate. Remedial action was also being considered at Beck Theatre to restore the use of areas for passengers and the wider community. 9. There are 11 stations in the area and BTP work with the SNT, STT and residents to address any issues that had arisen and to build of the existing partnerships and relationships. The BTP spent time reassuring the public that the fear of crime was much higher than the actual levels of crime and that there were few instances of anti social behaviour in the Borough. 10. The BTP held monthly meetings with users of the public transport system. Issues that were identified at these meetings were added to the BTP action plan. Any action taken and issues resolved were reported back to these meetings. 11. BTP was pre-empting an increase in anti-social behaviour on the trains around certain times such as Halloween. This proactive approach enabled the BTP to deal with issues before they arose. It was noted that these actions, along with the work of the SNT, had helped reduce crime rates across the board and had contributed to the increase in the number of detections. 12. Members were generally very satisfied with the improvements that had been made and the resultant low levels of crime on the transport network in the Borough. It was acknowledged that the majority of young people using the transport system did not cause trouble. As such, the STT role was more to ensure that passengers could travel safely rather than a hard enforcement role. Page 16 PART 1 – MEMBERS, PUBLIC & PRESS External Services Scrutiny Committee – 14 July 2010 13. With regard to the removal of a young person’s Oyster Card, only TfL Revenue Control Inspectors have the authority to remove cards. This could be done on a temporary basis (once the young person had reached their destination) or on a permanent basis whereby the young person would have the right of appeal. Other actions that could be taken included the addition of a clause in an Anti Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) to prevent an individual who had been caught for graffiti from sitting on the top deck of a double decker bus. TfL were planning to implement a scheme called “Earn Your Travel Back”, whereby young people who had their Oyster Cards permanently removed could earn them back. 14. Hillingdon Early Intervention Panel comprises representatives from organisations including the Police, the Council and Hillingdon Homes. This Panel deals with all age groups but finds that there are a significant number of referrals for young people. If a referral had originated from the Safer Transport Team, consideration could be given to putting an Acceptable Behaviour Contract or an ASBO in place. It was noted that the BTP had applied a large number of Acceptable Behaviour Contracts, which could then be used to support a request for an ASBO if the need arose. The aim of this meeting: • Receive an annual up-date about the role and impact of the Hillingdon Safer Transport Team, the Transport Hub Team and British Transport Police • Examine any issues that may undermine or affect their effectiveness Witnesses 15. The representatives from the following organisations have been invited to attend the meeting: • British Transport Police • Metropolitan Police Service • Community Safety, LBH • Safer Transport Team • Transport Hub Team • Transport for London SUGGESTED SCRUTINY ACTIVITY Members to question representatives from the Metropolitan Police Service, British Transport Police and Transport for London on the developments regarding safety and decide whether to take any further action. BACKGROUND REPORTS None. Page 17 PART 1 – MEMBERS, PUBLIC & PRESS External Services Scrutiny Committee – 14 July 2010 SUGGESTED KEY QUESTIONS/LINES OF ENQUIRY 1. What are the major ASB problems on public transport in Hillingdon? 2. What activities has the Hillingdon Safer Transport Team (STT) undertaken to address these problems? 3. What difference has the STT made to ASB on public transport? 4. How does the STT relate to and work with the Briti sh Transport Police? Is there any overlap? 5. How are the priorities for the STT decided (i.e. h ow and where the STT will be deployed)? 6. For how long is the STT funded? Can the officers be abstracted to other duties? 7. Where does the remit of STTs end – e.g. are officer s able to deal with the issues around graffiti and vandalism of bus shelters? 8. What is the pattern in terms of ASB on buses: has the situation improved or got worse in the last year? 9. What has been the impact of the free travel initia tive? Has this caused increased ASB? 10. Is the process for identifying perpetrators of ASB and then removing free travel entitlement effective? Could this be improved? 11. What role does the Council have in tackling ASB on public transport? Could this role be enhanced or developed? 12. What issues undermine or affect the effectiveness of the STT? How could the STT become more effective? 13. Have Hillingdon schools worked with TfL to promote responsible behaviour by young people on public transport? Could these links be improved? Page 18 PART 1 – MEMBERS, PUBLIC AND PRESS External Services Scrutiny Committee – 14 July 2010 WORK PROGRAMME Officer Contact Nikki Stubbs, Deputy Chief Executive’s Office Papers with report Appendix A: Work Programme 2010/2011 REASON FOR REPORT To enable the Committee to track the progress of its work in accordance with good project management practice. OPTIONS OPEN TO THE COMMITTEE 1. Note the proposed Work Programme. 2. To make suggestions for/amendments to future working practices and/or reviews. INFORMATION 1. At its last meeting, the Committee agreed the atta ched Work Programme. Pale shading indicates completed meetings. 2. The meeting scheduled for 11 January 2011 has been l eft unallocated in order to allow time for either: • additional topics to be considered; or • further consideration to be given when undertaking e xisting topics identified on the Work Programme. 3. It should be noted that the meeting scheduled for 2 2 September 2010 has been cancelled. 4. With regard to the Health Inequalities Working Gro up, consideration needs to be given to the scheduling of its meetings and the witnesses that the Members would like to invite. SUGGESTED SCRUTINY ACTIVITY 1. Members note the Work Programme and make any amend ments as appropriate. 2. Ensure Members are clear on the work coming before t he Committee BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS None. Agenda Item 7 Page 19 PART 1 – MEMBERS, PUBLIC AND PRESS External Services Scrutiny Committee – 14 July 2010 APPENDIX A EXTERNAL SERVICES SCRUTINY COMMITTEE 2010/11 WORK PROGRAMME NB – all meetings start at 6pm in the Civic Centre unless otherwise indicated. Shading indicates completed meetings Meeting Date Agenda Item 9 June 2010 Community Cohesion Review The review the achievements of the following organisations since April 2009 with regards to Community Cohesion: • Metropolitan Police • London Fire Brigade • University of Brunel • Union of Brunel Students • Hillingdon Primary Care Trust • Strong & Active Communities • Hillingdon Inter Faith Network • Hillingdon Association of Voluntary Services LINk To receive a report on the progress of LINk in the Borough since the last update received by the Committee in June 2009. 16 June 2010 Provider Services Detailed scrutiny of provider services, with particular reference to vertical integration and the proposed appointment of Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust. 14 July 2010 Safer Transport To scrutinise the issue of safety with regards to transport in the Borough (Safer Neighbourhoods Team, Metropolitan Police Service and British Transport). 22 September 2010 CANCELLED 28 October 2010 NHS & GPs Performance updates and update on significant issues: • NHS • GPs Page 20 PART 1 – MEMBERS, PUBLIC AND PRESS External Services Scrutiny Committee – 14 July 2010 Meeting Date Agenda Item 24 November 2010 Provider Services Review of effectiveness of provider services (with particular reference to end of life care, TB, children’s speech and language therapy, physiotherapy and specialist community dentistry) and of the progress of the vertical integration: • CNWL • PCT 11 January 2011 23 February 2011 Crime & Disorder 30 March 2011 – 5pm Community Cohesion Review The review the achievements of the following organisations since June 2010 with regards to Community Cohesion: • Metropolitan Police • London Fire Brigade • University of Brunel • Union of Brunel Students • Hillingdon Primary Care Trust • Strong & Active Communities • Hillingdon Inter Faith Network • Hillingdon Association of Voluntary Services 26 April 2011 Quality Accounts & CQC Evidence Gathering • Hillingdon Primary Care Trust (PCT) • The Hillingdon Hospital NHS Trust • Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust • Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust • London Ambulance Service • Care Quality Commission (CQC) Page 21 PART 1 – MEMBERS, PUBLIC AND PRESS External Services Scrutiny Committee – 14 July 2010 Themes Future Work to be Undertaken Health Inequalities Working Group Comprising Councillors: • Judy Kelly • Mary O’Connor • Michael White • Phoday Jarjussey • John Major Detailed review of the impact of housing overcrowding on educational attainment and children’s development. Working Group Meeting dates: • To be arranged Witnesses • To be agreed Children’s Suicide and Self Harm Working Group Detailed review of children’s suicide and self harm. Page 22