Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors Steven Garett, Meirion Howells, Malcom Lane and Maria Stevens. Councillor Malcolm Lane was substituted by Councillor Lisa Dymock. Councillor Maria Stevens was substituted by Councillor Peter Strong.

None received.

Select Committee Public Open Forum ~ Guidance

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None present.

To discuss Community Safety and Police Resources across the county with the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Background paper ~ Police, Crime and Justice Plan for Gwent 2025-2029 Police, Crime and Justice Plan 2025 - 2029 | Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner

The Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Hutt delivered a presentation on the Police, Crime and Justice Plan for Gwent, prior to answering Members questions on community safety and police resourcing. The Chair Councillor Watts thanked Jane for the presentation on the plan and noted the clarity in the plan and the five pillars and the public leaflet.

• Councillor Bond asked what is being done about misogyny, sexual abuse, and bad behaviour in schools, and whether there are initiatives to address these issues?

Jane described work with public health targeting boys in schools, upcoming initiatives involving solicitors discussing consent, and activities for the White Ribbon campaign.

• Councillor Bond asked for more detail about the nature of police liaison and the availability and involvement of officers to deliver safeguarding lessons, following the loss of the schools’ liaison program.

Jane explained that funding for the school’s liaison program was withdrawn by Welsh Government, leading Gwent Police to develop a new model where neighbourhood officers engage with schools. She described ongoing monitoring, partnership work with Welsh Government, and specific initiatives like public health projects targeting misogyny and legal professionals discussing consent in schools.

• Councillor Bond also asked about public confidence in the police and progress on institutional issues within Gwent Police.

Jane mentioned actions are being taken to maintain public confidence following negative media coverage, emphasising ongoing work to address institutional behaviour and support for staff. Jane outlined actions such as assembling advisory groups before negative media, supporting staff, and ongoing scrutiny and cultural work. She acknowledged more work is needed and is launching a deep dive into vulnerability.

• Councillor Bond asked if Jane had visited any Monmouthshire schools and how the impact of these initiatives would be seen, noting the importance of addressing broader equality issues beyond abuse.

Jane described the Safe Spaces Initiative in primary schools, the upcoming launch of a Charter for children and young people, and a strategic equality plan with dedicated funding for community groups. She referenced engagement in Abergavenny, addressing cohesion and feedback from local groups, and reiterated her commitment to building community support and visibility of these actions.

• Councillor Dymock asked about the Mystery Shopper initiative: how it works, findings so far, and how those findings are used to improve frontline services. She also asked when Jane last visited Caldicot Town Centre and Station, and what concerns residents raised during that visit.

Jane responded that she had visited Caldicot several times, most recently for Armed Forces Day and in the town centre, receiving positive feedback about anti-social behaviour initiatives and concerns about continued resourcing. She explained the Mystery Shopper exercise is authentic and based on direct conversations, with generally positive feedback in Caldicot but acknowledged that issues are raised when present.

• Councillor Dymock also asked about confidence in the accuracy and completeness of crime and incident data, especially regarding public reports and 101 call logging. She raised concerns that repeated incidents may not be accurately captured, affecting the neighbourhood police team's ability to respond, and asked  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.