To consider the Public Health and Communities Directorate Plan 2024-25 Quarter One Performance Update.

Consideration was given to the Public Health and Communities Directorate Plan 2024-25.

The Assistant Director, Public Protection and Customers introduced the Plan and reported that all (11) actions were currently ongoing.

The Chair then opened the meeting to comments and questions from the Committee. A discussion ensued, during which the following points were raised:

·          In relation to point 5.6 ‘The action regarding developing and embedding a customer service strategy is 50% complete’ it was reported that the action was currently 20% and not 50% complete.

·          In relation to Ref. PH2402.B ‘Work towards being a food secure borough by developing a sustainable food plan plus a planned approach to ‘move on’ from our network of food banks and food clubs’  - Members requested details about how they could get involved in the ‘Boro full of Beans’ programme.

·          Concerns were raised in relation to the proliferation of hot food takeaway premises on the high street and it was asked if any planning controls could be used to restrict the number of empty shops being converted into takeaway outlets.  In response, it was advised that essentially it was not a planning enforcement matter and was difficult to control. It was noted that the Council’s Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) allocated areas for particular uses. It was agreed to circulate information regarding current policies to the Committee.

• In relation to the development of policies, officers were urged to consider the Council’s poverty plan, the intersectionality of socio-economic factors, and to engage in co-production with residents.
• Concerns were raise regarding sweet shops selling American confectionery containing additives that were banned in the U.K. In response, the Assistant Director, Public Protection and Customers agreed to circulate additional information to the Committee.
• In view of the Government’s announcement that winter fuel payments would be restricted to those on pension credits or other means-tested benefits – Members asked if the Council had any plans to ‘fill the gap’ and support vulnerable residents.  The Assistant Director, Public Protection and Customers advised that the implications of the new policy were currently being considered and an update would be provided to the Committee.
• It was noted that as a result of the Covid pandemic many local authorities had a backlog of food hygiene inspections – it was asked if Rochdale Council was in a similar position.  In response, the Committee was advised that Rochdale Borough Council was in a better position than many other councils and that an annual report detailing the Council’s position would be submitted to Cabinet in August 2024. 

·         In relation to community safety, it was highlighted that each Township now had a Community Safety Lead Officer, and it was requested that an update regarding impact, progress, and future learning be provided to the Committee.

·         In addition, it was requested that an update be provided, in relation to the latest Safety Community Partnership report, which had highlighted failings, including insufficient Council dedicated resource.

Resolved –

1. That the Public Health and Communities Directorate Plan 2024-25: Quarter 1 Performance Update be noted.

2. That the Assistant Director, Public Protection and Customers be requested to circulate to the Committee the following:

·         An update in relation to the latest Safety Community Partnership report.

·         Details regarding the ‘Boro full of Beans’ programme and information about how councillors could get involved.

·         An update in relation to the Government’s winter fuel payment policy and implications for Rochdale residents.

·         Information about the sale of American confectionery in Rochdale.

·         An update in relation to the Township Community Safety Lead Officer roles, including impact, progress and future learning.

3. That the Assistant Director, Public Protection and Customers and Head of Planning Services be requested to provide a briefing note outlining planning policies / powers in relation to hot food takeaway premises.