Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence from the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Harding and Councillor Wheatley.

Confirmation of the Minutes of the meeting held on 12 February 2025.

It was proposed by Councillor Bach, seconded by Councillor Brenton and –

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 12 February 2025 be agreed and signed as a correct record.

(Vote: For 5, Abstentions 2)

15 minute period for public contributions. The deadline for registering to speak is by 2pm on Monday 2 June 2025.

None received.

Members with interests should refer to the agenda item and describe the nature of their interest when the item is considered.

Members were reminded that declarations of interest should be made as and when the specific agenda item to which they related was under discussion.

There were no Part II items.

Chair highlighted the vacancies for three non-elected members on the Committee.  It was explained these had been vacant for some time and had proved difficult to fill. Members were asked to contact the Chair to make any recommendations of how to promote.

There was discussion on possible ways to promote the vacancies and a potential candidate’s details were to be shared with Democratic Services.

An action was also agreed to write to TTVS to ask for possible solutions.

An opportunity to hear from the Council’s Housing Options Team regarding support for those experiencing domestic abuse.   

Chair introduced Helen Page, Torridge District Council (TDC) Housing Options Manager, and the Domestic Abuse Officer for Housing Options. 

The Housing Manager and officer went on to deliver a detailed presentation on the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Officer role, which works across North Devon Against Domestic Abuse (NDADA) and TDC.

The presentation provided members with an overview of the local provision, some of the gaps and barriers to access in terms of housing, and how the new role - funded until 2024 by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) - aimed to join up the work of the two services and improve outcomes. The presentation also touched on the changing landscape of domestic abuse provision in Devon and the new integrated service called Devon Domestic Abuse Alliance.

The presentation detailed how the new role worked alongside the Housing Options team to support people experiencing domestic abuse, and how this benefited people accessing services, and the Housing Options Team as well. Statistic on referrals and engagement were shared, as well as the types of onward referrals - demonstrating the benefits of the new role in terms of service delivery. 

Finally, the presentation provided some context in terms of how the new post fits within the overall Devon-wide response to domestic abuse, and the aim to have a more ‘one service feel’. Members were also advised of the aim to increase housing provision in Devon and how this worked in terms of the support provision.  

Following the presentation Members had to opportunity to ask questions.

Members asked if the team were seeing any increase in referrals from more diverse groups.  The Housing Manager explained that referrals and presentations were mostly  White British, and  went on to highlight the complexities of providing support in terms of the local provision available. During  discussion the Housing Officer explained there was a growing awareness of the issues some communities experience alongside domestic abuse, such as Honor Based Violence. Member were then made aware of the Olive Project in Exeter, who work specifically with BME communities. 

Members went on to ask how the officer managed their own personal safety when providing support.  The Housing Officer advised of how they plan for their safety and manage lone working. The Housing Manager went on to explain the risk assessment processes that are in place.

Members asked what percentage of cases involved children and young people. Though statistics were not available for the meeting, anecdotally it was felt that more than 50% of cases involved children and young people in some way and they would often involve complex needs. It was explained how these complexities impact on the suitability of provision and can cause delays, but that the move towards more self-contained units would help better support families. Out of area placements were identified as especially challenging in terms of providing advocacy and ensuring support could be replicated in the new area. 

It was queried whether 25 hours a week was adequate for the role and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 308.

To review the forward plan for the 2025-2026 meeting cycle and discuss the meeting schedule.

The Chair reviewed the Forward Plan with Members and the following was agreed:

To invite North Devon Plus to attend the July Committee and the Joint Community Safety Partnership to be held on the November meeting date.

To add the following to the list of suggestions for future Committees:

•              Cllr Smith declared interest and asked for Globe Hotel to discuss potential funding.

•              Royal Mail due to poor delivery service

•              Devon Highways to talk about the state of the roads.

•              Food Banks to attend and discuss the need and social situation for Food Banks.

•              Presentation of CEO from Libraries Unlimited. Cllr Thomas declared interest as a user of the library.

•              Look at Bideford Minor Injury Unit and the possible use of these facilities across other local towns. Cllr Hodson advised she was happy to advise Chair of any development in terms of discussion at the Devon County Council Health and Adult Care Scrutiny Committee.

•              Fire service, Coastguard and Ambulance Services.

•              The introduction of the Family Hub Model.

It was agreed the Chair and Democratic Services would meet outside the meeting to populate the Forward Plan. 

To review the action list.

Chair reviewed the Action List with members and the following updates were provided.

212.    Link Centres – Although there was no further update at the time of the meeting, Councillor Hodson confirmed she would continue to keep members updated.

220.    Children’s Centre – Cllr A Brenton provided an update in terms of the new Family Hub model and the developments since the last meeting.  The changes in provision were highlighted for members and it was confirmed that a reorganisation was still taking place, along with a change in the locality to North Devon, Torridge and Mid Devon.  Given the significant changes, members were keen to add Family Hubs to the Forward Plan.