Report of the Environmental Health Manager

That the Joint Safeguarding Policy and Domestic Abuse Policy, attached as appendices 1 and 2 to the report, be approved.

Cabinet received a report of the Environmental Health Officer (Community) which provided updates of the Domestic Abuse and Joint Safeguarding policies. 

The Mayor noted the statistics related to domestic abuse in a year.  He invited Councillor Dychton to introduce the report.

Councillor Dychton stated that the updated policies reflected changes in legislation and risks.  The policies would ensure the council met its statutory responsibility.  The Domestic Abuse policy explained how the council would respond to any suspicions of abuse.  A number of agencies, including the council, played a part in supporting work to reduce incidences of domestic abuse and to support victims.  The policies set out clear responsibilities and an action plan ensured priorities were met.  The intention was to monitor the policies over the next six months.

In response to a comment from Councillor Johnson about the inclusion of local data, the Group Head of Community and Environmental Services advised that national data was used to understand the longer-term impacts.  However as part of the review the local data would be noted.  The strategic high-level data provided by national statistics helped inform the policies.

Councillor Pattinson urged that training was put in place for both members and officers, particularly safeguarding.  The Group Head of Community and Environmental Services confirmed the councillor’s comments would be taken on board. 

RESOLVED –

That the Joint Safeguarding Policy and Domestic Abuse Policy, attached as appendices 1 and 2 to the report, be approved.