More powers for Carmarthenshire

Carmarthenshire council’s Social Justice Scrutiny Committee is to get greater powers to deal with crime and disorder in Carmarthenshire.
New legislation comes into force on October 1 2009 which requires all local authorities in Wales to establish a committee to review or scrutinise crime and disorder functions.
As a result, the council is proposing to expand the terms of reference of its existing Social Justice Scrutiny Committee.
It means that any member of the council will be able to put a local crime and disorder matter on the committee’s agenda to be discussed at a meeting, for example, anti-social behaviour or other behaviour adversely affecting the local environment, or the misuse of drugs or alcohol.
The committee will then have the power to make a report or recommendations to the county council or executive board.
Under the new legislation Dyfed-Powys Police and Dyfed-Powys Police Authority; as well as Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority and Carmarthenshire Local Health Board will have to submit an annual report to the scrutiny committee.
Carmarthenshire’s Community Safety Partnership already provides an annual report to the members.
Social Justice Scrutiny Committee chairman Councillor Stephen James has welcomed the new role of the committee.
He said: “Members welcome this legislation as it will give the committee greater powers in relation to crime and disorder.
“As councillors our job is to raise and act upon the concerns of residents whether it is in relation to crime and disorder or other issues affecting the community.
“These new powers will allow the committee to make recommendations on any crime and disorder issues brought to their attention by members whether it is anti-social behaviour or the misuse of drugs and alcohol.
“Figures show that Carmarthenshire is one of the safest places to live in the UK, we want to make sure it stays that way.”
The committee will be renamed the Social Justice, Crime and Disorder Scrutiny Committee to reflect its expanded role.

Social Justice Scrutiny Committee chairman Councillor Stephen James with Dyfed Powys Police Assistant Chief Constable Gwyn Thomas

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