Agenda item

The Assistant Director Culture, Housing and Regulation will submit a report providing an update of the current position with regard to the ongoing review of policies and procedures of the Licensing Service following the publication of the Casey Report into Child Sexual Exploitation in Rotherham.

The Service Director Culture, Housing and Regulation submitted a report providing an update of the current position with regard to the ongoing review of policies and procedures of the Licensing Service following the publication of the Casey report into Child Sexual Exploitation in Rotherham.

The Authority had a robust set of policies and procedures in place to ensure that those persons licenced to drive licenced vehicles were ‘fit and proper’ and, in doing so, ensured the safety of passengers and members of the public alike.  The publication of the Casey report had, however, provided the opportunity for the service to examine those policies and working practices to ensure that they were still ‘fit for purpose’ and to make any necessary improvements.

The report detailed a summary of the key actions currently being undertaken by the Licensing Service:

·         Update reports had been submitted to the Senior Leadership Team and to this Board in May 2015 and this report further updated the progress to date

·         The Guideline Policy on Criminal Convictions and application processes were in the process of being reviewed.  These would ensure that the Council’s processes for dealing with those people who had been convicted and/or investigated were appropriate. 

·         These proposals, tougher with the creation of a full Licensing Policy – encompassing a full revised application criteria and convictions policy - would strengthen the stance taken in dealing with cases relating to CSE

·         in order for new ways of working to be effective, the Council needed to continue to maintain and develop stronger and collaborative links with the Police and to exchange vital evidence/information in a timely manner.  As such, a draft Information Sharing Protocol had been developed the details of which were highlighted.  These arrangements would ensure that there was a secure exchange of sensitive data relating to CSE

·         Monthly CSE Strategy meetings were organised and attended by the Head of Service

·         Quarterly Provider meetings were attended by representatives of the Licensing Service, the Safeguarding Children’s Services, the South Yorkshire Police and other partner organisations as required

·         Liaison arrangements had been formalised with the South Yorkshire Police and with the Safeguarding Children’s services to ensure that CSE issues were effectively dealt with, picked up and addressed.  These arrangements were working well and a ‘nominated’ officer from the Police had been identified as a formal point of contact.

·         The importance of ensuring that a protocol was in place to ensure the timely exchange of information was stressed.  In conjunction with the Council, South Yorkshire Police a contract was being formulated which would outlined the manner in which sensitive data would be exchanged.  It would also stipulate appropriate timescales.  This work was due for completion in December

·         The training recently provided for Members of the General Licensing Regulatory Board on the 14^th October, 2015 was a key element in ensuring that Elected Members were ‘up to date’ with their roles and responsibilities as well as current legislative requirements

·         All new drivers applying for licences would be required to undertake mandatory CSE/Safeguarding training from February, 2016 and all existing drivers would be required to undertake this via a rolling programme of training events

An appendix to the report provided a detailed response paper to the various issues identified within the Casey report outlining Barnsley’s response thereto.

Arising out of the discussion, the Service Director briefly reported upon an internal audit of all the Licensing procedures and processes which was thought to ‘going well’.  In addition, a new ‘Safeguarding Framework’ had been prepared (which would include elements relating to the Licensing Service) and this was being submitted to Cabinet and to Council on the 26^th November, 2015.

In the ensuing discussion, reference was made to the following:

·         The Service Director reported that a company in Sheffield had obtained funding from the Government to provide training on Safeguarding and CSE.  They had already undertaken work with Sheffield and Doncaster Councils and it was proposed, therefore, that a similar training session be provided for officers and Members.  It could possible then be rolled out to licensed drivers.  It was noted that this training only lasted for an hour and was provided free of charge.  A report on this was to be submitted to Cabinet/Council for approval.  Arising out of this discussion, It was suggested that further follow up training could be provided by Officers so that there was ongoing Safeguarding/CSE training that was provided on a sustainable basis

·         It was noted that representatives of the Licensing Trade welcomed the development

·         Members had very much appreciated the training course held on the 14^th October, 2015 and the feedback from Buttons (the training provider) had been extremely positive.  Follow up training was to be provided for those Members who had been unable to attend this event

·         The mandatory training which drivers were to be required to undertake was noted.  This would be included within Licensing Conditions. 

·         In response to detailed questioning, the Board was given an absolute assurance that any issues raised (particularly in relation to Safeguarding and CSE) were and would be thoroughly investigated and appropriate action taken.  In addition, Members of the Council would be kept fully informed of any issues arising from such investigations

·         Questions were asked about the use of CCTV in taxis which it was though were now to be mandatory in Rotherham.  It was noted that this had been discussed  approximately two years ago when the trade had asked the Council to consider funding its provision.  This had not been considered to be appropriate at that time.  Whilst  such a requirement could be included within licensing conditions, it was noted that any requirements had to be justified and proportionate.  Within Barnsley CCTV provision could probably not be justified but an investigation would be undertaken to examine if Rotherham Council had obtained external funding for its provision within taxis

·         The way in which driver data was collected, monitored, trends identified and reported were outlined.  It was noted that the Service took a proactive approach to any concerns raised about Safeguarding and CSE

RESOLVED that the update report be received and the action taken and proposed be approved and supported.