The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting, including new Member Councillor Henry Nottage.

Apologies for absence were noted as above.

None.

To determine whether there are any additional items of business which by reason of special circumstances the Chair is of the opinion should be considered at the meeting; the reason(s) for such urgency to be stated.

None.

To identify items where resolutions may be moved to exclude the public and press.  (For items marked * the public and press may be excluded from the meeting).

None.

None.

The Panel’s Rules of Procedure and the procedure for asking questions of the Commissioner and the Panel is available at: https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/sypcp

If any member of the public wishes to ask a question of the Police and Crime Commissioner at the meeting, they should be submitted in writing at least 5 working days before the meeting and be no more than 100 words in length.  They must not relate to an individual case, and must not repeat, or substantially repeat, any question that has been asked and answered at a meeting of the Panel meeting in the six months preceding the date of the meeting.

Questions should be submitted to Andrew Shirt, Council Governance Officer (Host Authority for the Police and Crime Panel) by email – andrewshirt@barnsley.gov.uk

There were no questions to the Police and Crime Commissioner.

If any member of the public wishes to ask a question of the Police and Crime Panel at the meeting, they should be submitted in writing at least 5 working days before the meeting and be no more than 100 words in length.

They must not relate to an individual case, and must not repeat, or substantially repeat, any question that has been asked and answered at a meeting of the Panel meeting in the six months preceding the date of the meeting.

Questions should be submitted to Andrew Shirt, Council Governance Officer (Host Authority for the Police and Crime Panel) by email – andrewshirt@barnsley.gov.uk

There were no questions to the Police and Crime Panel.

Matters Arising / Action Log

The Panel discussed and noted progress in respect of the agreed actions captured on the Panel’s Action Log set out in Appendix A to the minutes.

RESOLVED –

i)           That the minutes of the Police and Crime Panel meeting held on 17 July 2023 be agreed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

ii)          Noted that the Panel’s Action Log would be updated following discussion and agreement at today’s meeting.

A report of the Panel’s Support Officer highlighted that at the meeting held on 6 September 2023, Sheffield City Council resolved that Councillor Henry Nottage would replace Councillor Maleiki Haybe as its representative on South Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel.

RESOLVED - That Members of the Police and Crime Panel:-

·       Noted that Councillor Haybe’s membership of the Panel ceased on 5 September 2023.

·       Noted the appointment of Councillor Nottage to the Panel by Sheffield City Council as its meeting held on 6 September 2023.

M Buttery presented the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Update to the Committee. It provided Members with and insight to the key PCC activities, decisions and key OPCC activities against the OPCC’S Delivery Plan (since it was approved by the PCC at his Public Accountability Board).

Councillor Wright requested that clarity be provided on how the Panel would be utilised once the PCC is passed onto the mayor.

R Hindley commented on the information around Data Loss in the report asking if there were any specific reputational issues for South Yorkshire Police. Dr Billings explained that there had been no public concerns to note. M Buttery added that within the Gold Group trust and confidence had been shown from the victims and witnesses affected.

Councillor Miskell queried the rising concerns over burglary rates in South Yorkshire. Dr Billings explained that due to the rising demand on Police Officers it was not always possible to follow up every case and provide home visits after the event happened, which would be pointed out to the Home Secretary.

Councillor Miskell continued that here had been a noticeable rise in Hate Crime within South Yorkshire. Dr Billings stated that Hate Crime was an ongoing issue, the more people reporting Hate Crime indicated more people having confidence in the Police meaning rising figures could be seen as both good and bad. Regular reporting was to be conducted on the types of Hate Crime over South Yorkshire.

RESOLVED - That Members of the Police and Crime Panel:-

·       Noted the contents of the report.

·       Asked questions on the matters contained within the report given it explained how the PCC had over the period delivered his Police and Crime Plan and discharged the wide range of his legal responsibilities, and explained the decisions he had taken which were of public interest.

K Wright presented the Quarterly Report to the Committee which provided information on how the Police and partners (as well as the Office of the PCC) worked to achieve its outcomes and priorities set out in the Police and Crime Plan for South Yorkshire.

One main focus within the report was Hate Crime numbers and the focus around reporting, K Wright explained that there had been a national focus on the topic which could in turn create a spike in the data locally.

B Miskell commented on Police Officer Conduct and incidents which may arise within the force, Dr Billings stated that he was satisfied that the Police had good and robust procedures in place to ensure all incidents were dealt with correctly.

B Miskell asked the Commissioner if he would agree that an increase in 999 calls was a reflection of the cut in policing. Dr Billings agreed as parts of the Police sector were squeezed it could increase queues and transfers to 111 rather than directly to 999.

A discussion was taken around anti-social behaviour and the steps taken by the Police to reduce it. Dr Billings explained that funding had increased for foot patrols in hotspot areas.

A discussion arose around rural crime, K Wright added that each district was part of a Community Safety Partnership which would highlight the figures around the different types of crime.

RESOLVED - That Members of the Police and Crime Panel:-

·       Noted that the performance framework upon which the report was based on has been updated to reflect changes in the PCC’s new Police and Crime Plan 2023-2025 published in April 2023.

·       Noted the contents of the report and comment on any matters arising.

Members of the Committee were presented with a report of the Chief Finance Officer highlighting the consolidated financial position for the period 1 April 2023 to 30 June 2023 alongside the forecast year end position for 30 June 2023.

R Hindley queried the risks involved in the Mayoral Model. S Abbott explained that it was too early to calculate risks however the team were focusing on monitoring any changes.

W Carratt raised concerns over the Pay Award risks. S Abbott explained that there would be allocation planning around the method of assignment going forward.

M Buttery added that continued support was provided to members on the Budget Working group.

RESOLVED - That Members noted the report.

A report of the Panel’s Legal Advisor/Support Officer highlighted that between 1 January 2023 and 30 June 2023 there had been no formal complaints received against South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner.

RESOLVED - That Members of the Police and Crime Panel noted the update.

A Shirt provided Members with the Learning and Development Update which included current events, together with future plans in respect of learning and development for the Panel. Members were encouraged to provide suggestions for any additional learning and development opportunities.

RESOLVED - That Members of the Police and Crime Panel:-

·       Noted the update.

·       Provided suggestions for future learning and development.

A Shirt provided Members with the 2023/24 Work programme for information and explained that Members could nominate topics that fall within the Panel’s Statutory role in supporting and scrutinising the Commissioner. All issues would be given full consideration by the Chair, Vice-Chair and Commissioner at the pre-agenda planning meetings.

Additionally, Members were encouraged to attend the meetings of the Commissioner’s Public Accountability Board (PAB) to increase their operational knowledge of how the PCC holds the Chief Constable to account.

RESOLVED - That Members of the Police and Crime Panel noted the contents of the 2023/24 Work Programme.

RESOLVED - That the next meeting of the Police and Crime Panel be held on Monday 11 December 2023, 1:00pm in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Church Street, Barnsley, S70 2TA.