Agenda item

Report by Portfolio Holder for People and Communities on the business case to modernise and improve the CCTV system.

Cabinet

1)    ENDORSED the proposed replacement of CCTV cameras and collaboration with Harborough District Council for maintenance and monitoring arrangements;

2)    RECOMMENDED to Council that:

a)    the capital investment to modernise the CCTV system be approved, with the capital programme updated accordingly and £41,670 being allocated from the General Fund capital receipts and £17,770 being allocated from the HRA Regeneration and Development Reserve.

b)    authority is given to collaborate with Harborough District Council for CCTV maintenance and monitoring arrangements.

3)    DELEGATED authority to the Director for Housing and Communities to finalise and enter into associated contractual arrangements.

The Director for Housing and Communities (Deputy Chief Executive), Michelle Howard, introduced the business case that has been developed to modernise and improve the CCTV system and associated operating arrangements, due to the current system no longer offering an effective or value for money solution.

The Director stated that delivery of the new system would include 10 new, high-quality cameras, and revised monitoring and maintenance arrangements, and added that the Council would benefit from working in partnership with Harborough District Council. The new system would have high quality equipment which will be more effective as well as value for money.  It will help with tackling anti-social behaviour by cutting down on crime and increasing safety within the town.

In moving the recommendations, the Portfolio Holder for People and Communities, Councillor Malise Graham, said that after a lot of hard work by the safety community team with the key stakeholders, they are now able to bring the proposal forward. He added that it cannot be underestimated the importance of making communities feel safe. Councillor Graham said that our current system is ageing and needs replacing with higher quality equipment and better way of monitoring and that had visited the control room at Market Harborough and was impressed by the quality and service they can offer. Subject to Council approval in December it is hoped the new monitors can be in place early next year. 

The Leader said it is important for communities to feel safe and this was shown in the residents’ survey.  He also wanted to pass on thanks to the Police and Crime Commissioner for his role in this and requested that his thanks are passed on.

Councillor Alison Freer stated that it is important to say how the Council had made a commitment to improving the CCTV after discussions with businesses and people involved. It is important to show the Council are improving the system to solve the problems they have encountered and show the Council’s commitment to helping the community and local economy to improve safety and reduce crime.

Cabinet:

1)    ENDORSED the proposed replacement of CCTV cameras and collaboration with Harborough District Council for maintenance and monitoring arrangements.

2)    RECOMMENDED to Council that:

a)    the capital investment to modernise the CCTV system be approved, with the capital programme updated accordingly and £41,670 being allocated from the General Fund capital receipts and £17,770 being allocated from the HRA Regeneration and Development Reserve.

b)    authority is given to collaborate with Harborough District Council for CCTV maintenance and monitoring arrangements.

3)    DELEGATED authority to the Director for Housing and Communities to finalise and enter into associated contractual arrangements.

Reason for Recommendations:

The Council has a CCTV system in place however it is now over 26 years old and no longer offers an effective or value for money solution. Without investment and modernisation, it cannot offer an effective crime prevention solution.

The approved Capital Programme for 22/23 refers to the need to invest in CCTV equipment / modernisation of CCTV, subject to approval of a business case. This report brings this commitment forward and sets out the associated capital investment and operating arrangements required.

Although not a statutory requirement, there is a significant reputational risk associated with the lack of an effective CCTV monitoring system which impacts on our ability to:

·       Tackle anti-social behaviour

·       Take enforcement action

·       Address our priorities as part of the Safer Melton Partnership (SMP)

·       Help our businesses and communities to feel safe

·       Enable us to effectively detect and prevent crime