None.

Apologies were received from Dr Arumugarassah, Mrs Sabitri Ray and Mr Islam

The Minutes were agreed.

Evereth undertook to amend the spelling of Mr Afridi’s name on the minutes of 11 March 2015.

Partnership Inspector Vere Bowyer presented the Police Performance report. He reported that over a rolling twelve month period Total Notifiable Offences (TNO) in Merton is up from 11,449 recorded offences to 12,310 an increase of 7.5%.  This amounts to 861 more offences.  The TNO sanction detection remains largely static at 20.6%.

MOPAC 7 -  Seven crime types are included within MOPAC’s crime reduction target of reducing crime by 20% from 2011/12 to 2015/16.  The average year on year change for these 7 crime types has improved from -14.7% in November 2013 to 19.8% and is therefore on target.

There have been reductions in most areas except a rise in violence with injury which is primarily down to an increase in reported domestic violence and home office counting rules.  However burglary  has increased by 5.9% on the previous 12 months and violence with injury incidents has increased by 18.8% in the previous 12 months to 443 ( mainly due to an increase in Domestic Violence reporting).

Confidence as measured by the Public Attitude Survey remains high in Merton and has improved by 3% to 76% or people stating that the police do a good job in their area.  This exceeds the target of 66%.  This is reflective of data obtained from the Resident’s Annual Survey and represents an improving picture in terms of trust in local policing and a reduction of fear of crime.

For user satisfaction During January Merton was best in the MPS but was again beaten into second place after last month’s data was published.  Merton remains joint second in the MPS at 81.0%, with only Richmond at 83.0%.  The User Satisfaction Survey now measures satisfaction for victims across just three crime types, namely burglary, motor vehicle crime and violent crime.  Improvement has been seen in all areas. 

Overall ASB calls are down 21% and confidence figures continue to show that residents of Merton feel that the police tackle ASB more effectively than in other Boroughs.  There has been a reduction in repeat callers from % in repeat callers.  The increase is predominantly down to callers experiencing issues of mental health and represents a challenge across the Safeguarding Adults piece.  

Merton has had 30 crimes reported this year to date where a race or religious flag has been added.  This equates to around three offences per week, which is consistent with previous performance.  The positive news is that 15 of the offences reported this year have resulted in a sanction detection.  This represents a percentage of 50% which is the best of any borough in London

The number of stop and searches for the period May 13 to April 14 was 3355.  This compares to 2433 for May 14 to May15.  At the same time the percentage of people arrested as a result of stop and search has risen from 15.9% to 20.0%.

A question was asked about why the focus was on the MOPAC 7 crimes and not others?  Inspector Bowyer clarified that the focus is on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

Evereth gave a update on the BAME Voice meetings that had taken place.  A launch is planned for 11 July and will be funded from a grant from Circle Housing Merton Priory.

Evereth presented an update on the Community Cohesion strategy.  The report was noted.

Abayah gave an update on the Safer Neighbourhood Board meeting.  He has concerns about stop and search.  He made an appeal for activity to divert young people from being on the street and being drawn into activity that gets them into trouble.

Abayah outlined that the SNB has funding that could be bid for, up to £2000 can be applied for.

A question was asked about whether the funding can be used to prevent small numbers of young people being drawn into anti social behaviour.  The fund has £36,000 available.

Resolved: Evereth undertook to contact an officer Safer Merton to get the criteria for the funding.

Dr Kay Eilbert presented the refreshed Health and Wellbeing Strategy.  She explained that the strategy addresses the gap in health outcomes. Good health is underpinned by numerous  variables including opportunities to have good choices for education and employment.

The strategy has five themes:

1.    Best start in life

2.    Good health

3.    Life skills- life long learning and good work

4.    Community participation and feeling safe

5.    A good natural and built environment

Kay stressed that the challenge is to take up a good life for all in Merton.

The strategy was commended and Cllr Henry urged others to get involved.  Community groups are to be encouraged to lead a healthy life.  Kay undertook to give councillors the one page summary of the strategy for them to put up in their surgeries.

The key to healthy living is more that healthy eating, many factors such as education, employment and good housing are all determinants of good health.

Is the gap widening or narrowing? Kay replied that it is increasing and Public Health is trying to halt the gap rising.

Are there financial implications for halting the gap? Kay replied that much of the activity is being delivered by partnership working.  There is weight management funding available but little else.

Kay  reported that for child immunisation there has been an increase in the take up for the second MMR injections.

What are the reasons for the increase in the gap? – Kay replied that 70% - 80% of what creates health is outside health care, therefore good education, jobs and decent housing are needed to reduce the gap.  Health prevention and whole environment are important not just health care.

Merton on Move launched on 13 June at Mitcham Carnival, community groups are encouraged  to form a team and get involved.

None.