Agenda item

To consider a report by the Chief Officer, Elections and Regulatory which presents the annual review of the city centre cumulative impact area, the consultation and recommendations for approval.

(Report attached)

The Chief Officer, Elections and Regulatory submitted a report which presented the Annual Review of the City Centre Cumulative Impact Area.

The Chair introduced and welcomed Sergeant Martin Mynard and PC Cath Arkle from West Yorkshire Police.

The Principal Licensing Officer, Communities & Environment explained the background to the report and the results of the consultation and engagement.

Members noted that a four week email consultation had taken place between 13th May 2019 and 9th June 2019 which included all premises licence holders in the city centre, all ward Members who represent the local residents, Members of Parliament, and specialist licensing solicitors who may represent new licensees.

Members were informed that only one response was received from a premises outside of the red zones complaining about street drinking and rubbish accumulation.

Referring to the Police Crime Statistics (Appendix 1 of the submitted report) Members queried why drunk and disorderly offences had declined by 26.5% but public order offences had seen an increase, was this down to how crime was recorded.

In responding the police said they were now dealing with late night drunk and disorderly conduct in a different way due to the shortage of cell space. The police were now being more selective in who they arrest, often intervening early to prevent disorderly conduct later on. Greater CCTV coverage in the city centre was also assisting in identifying disorderly conduct and bar staff and door staff were being more proactive/ vigilant with drunk and disorderly customers.

Members queried if more cell space was the answer

Police representatives said more cell space would be useful but at the moment there were simply not enough officers to make the arrests.

Members noted there had been a slight reduction in crime on Call Lane and sought clarification on the reduction.

Members were informed that a significant amount of work had been done to combat drug dealing and knife crime in the area, a lot of arrests had been made with many individuals now serving prison sentences.

Referring to the Leeds BID, Members queried if Licensed Premises made a financial contributions to the scheme.

The Principal Licensing said most Licensed Premises in the City Centre were too small  to contribute to the Leeds BID, but they often contributed towards Street Marshalling

Although not in the cumulative impact area, one Member suggested that there appeared to be drug related issues taking places in the Marlborough estate/ Clarendon Road area, were the police aware of such activity.

In responding the Police said they were not aware of drug activity in that area, there were no nearby licensed premises but further enquiries would be made.

One Member suggested there was no reference within the analysis to sexual offences, would such offences be categorized under assault.

In responding, the police said further analysis would be required to determine the level of sexual offences within the city center, no particular “hot spots” had been identified for this particular offence but further inquiries would be made.

The Chair thanked officers for their attendance and contributions, suggesting it was appreciated by Members.

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the interim review of the City Centre Cumulative Impact Area be approved

(ii)  That further information on the issues raised by Members, be circulated to all Members of the Committee, once the information becomes available.