Public Document Pack Environment and Sustainability Scrutiny Inquiry - Night Time Economy

Wednesday, 3rd February 2010 at 4.30 pm PLEASE NOTE TIME OF MEETING Council Chamber - Civic Centre

This meeting is open to the public

Members

Councillor Thomas (Chair) Councillor Drake Councillor Galton Councillor Jones Councillor Odgers Councillor Payne Councillor Willacy

Contacts Scrutiny Co-ordinator Suki Sitaram Tel. 023 8083 2060 Email: suki.sitaram@southampton.gov.uk

Democratic Support Officer Keith Turner Tel. 023 8083 2418 Email: [email protected]

PUBLIC INFORMATION

Function of the Panel

The function of the Panel includes; Smoking policy – the Council operates a no-smoking policy in all civic buildings. • assist the Council and the Executive in the development of its Budget and Mobile Telephones – please turn off your Policy Framework by in-depth mobile telephone whilst in the meeting. analysis of policy issues; • conduct research, community and Fire Procedure – in the event of a fire or other consultation in the analysis of other emergency a continuous alarm will policy issues and possible options; sound and you will be advised by Council • make recommendations to the officers what action to take. Executive and/or appropriate committee and/or Council arising from Access – access is available for disabled the outcome of the inquiry process. people. Please contact the Democratic Support Officer who will help to make any Public Representations necessary arrangements. At the discretion of the Chair, members of the public may address the meeting Rules for the Overview and Scrutiny about any report on the agenda for the Function and Individual Inquiries etc meeting in which they have a relevant Scrutiny Panels will conduct their interest. proceedings in accordance with “The Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules Southampton City Council’s Six and Handbook” approved by the Overview Priorities and Scrutiny Management Committee from time to time. • Providing good value, high quality

services Dates of Meetings: Municipal Year • Getting the City working 2009/10 • Investing in education and training 2009 2010 Weds 30 th Sept Wed 13 th Jan • Keeping people safe Weds 4th Nov Wed 3 rd Feb th th • Keeping the City clean and green Weds 25 Nov Wed 10 March Wed 9 th Dec • Looking after people

CONDUCT OF MEETING

Te rms of Reference Business to be discussed The general role and terms of reference Only those items listed on the attached for all Scrutiny Panels are set out in Part agenda may be considered at this 2 (Article 6) of the Council’s meeting. Constitution, and their particular role is set out in Part 4 (Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules – paragraph 5) of the Constitution.

Rules of Procedure Quorum

The meeting is governed by the Council The minimum number of appointed Procedure Rules as set out in Part 4 of Members required to be in attendance to the Constitution. hold the meeting is 3.

Disclosure of Interests Members are required to disclose, in accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct, both the existence and nature of any “personal” or “prejudicial” interests they may have in relation to matters for consideration on this Agenda. . Personal Interests

A Member must regard himself or herself as having a personal interest in any matter

(i) if the matter relates to an interest in the Member’s register of interests; or (ii) if a decision upon a matter might reasonably be regarded as affecting to a greater extent than other Council Tax payers, ratepayers and inhabitants of the District, the wellbeing or financial position of himself or herself, a relative or a friend or:- (a) any employment or business carried on by such person; (b) any person who employs or has appointed such a person, any firm in which such a person is a partner, or any company of which such a person is a director; (c) any corporate body in which such a person has a beneficial interest in a class of securities exceeding the nominal value of £5,000; or

(d) any body listed in Article 14(a) to (e) in which such a person holds a position of general control or management.

A Member must disclose a personal interest.

Continued/……

Prejudicial Interests Having identified a personal interest, a Member must consider whether a member of the public with knowledge of the relevant facts would reasonably think that the interest was so significant and particular that it could prejudice that Member’s judgement of the public interest. If that is the case, the interest must be regarded as “prejudicial” and the Member must disclose the interest and withdraw from the meeting room during discussion on the item.

It should be noted that a prejudicial interest may apply to part or the whole of an item.

Where there are a series of inter-related financial or resource matters, with a limited resource available, under consideration a prejudicial interest in one matter relating to that resource may lead to a member being excluded from considering the other matters relating to that same limited resource.

There are some limited exceptions.

Note: Members are encouraged to seek advice from the Monitoring Officer or his staff in Democratic Services if they have any problems or concerns in relation to the above.

Principles of Decision Making

All decisions of the Council will be made in accordance with the following principles:-

• proportionality (i.e. the action must be proportionate to the desired outcome); • due consultation and the taking of professional advice from officers; • respect for human rights; • a presumption in favour of openness, accountability and transparency; • setting out what options have been considered; • setting out reasons for the decision; and • clarity of aims and desired outcomes.

In exercising discretion, the decision maker must:

• understand the law that regulates the decision making power and gives effect to it. The decision-maker must direct itself properly in law; • take into account all relevant matters (those matters which the law requires the authority as a matter of legal obligation to take into account); • leave out of account irrelevant considerations; • act for a proper purpose, exercising its powers for the public good; • not reach a decision which no authority acting reasonably could reach, (also known as the “rationality” or “taking leave of your senses” principle); • comply with the rule that local gov ernment finance is to be conducted on an annual basis. Save to the extent authorised by Parliament, ‘live now, pay later’ and forward funding are unlawful; and • act with procedural propriety in accordance with the rules of fairness.

AGENDA

Agendas and papers are now available on the internet via the Council’s Website.

1 APOLOGIES AND CHANGES IN PANEL MEMBERSHIP

To note any changes in membership of the Panel made in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 4.3.

2 DISCLOSURE OF PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS

In accordance with the Local Government Act 2000, and the Council's Code of Conduct adopted on 16th May 2007, Members to disclose any personal or prejudicial interests in any matter included on the agenda for this meeting.

NOTE: Members are reminded that, where applicable, they must complete the appropriate form recording details of any such interests and hand it to the Democratic Support Officer prior to the commencement of this meeting.

3 DECLARATIONS OF SCRUTINY INTEREST

Members are invited to declare any prior participation in any decision taken by a Committee, Sub-Committee, or Panel of the Council on the agenda and being scrutinised at this meeting.

4 DECLARATION OF PARTY POLITICAL WHIP

Members are invited to declare the application of any party political whip on any matter on the agenda and being scrutinised at this meeting.

5 STATEMENT FROM THE C HAIR

6 MINUTES

To approve and sign as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 13 th January 2010 and to deal with any matters arising, attached.

7 THE IMPACT OF THE NIGHT TIME ECONOMY - STAKEHOLDER VIEWS

Report of the Head of Policy and Improvement detailing comments and feedback from stakeholders regarding the Night Time Economy in Southampton, attached.

Tuesday, 26 January 2010 SOLICITOR TO THE COUNCIL

This page is intentionally left blank Agenda Item 6

ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY SCRUTINY PANEL: NIGHT TIME ECONOMY INQUIRY MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 13 TH JANUARY 2010

Present : Councillors Thomas (Chair), Drake, Galton, Jones, Payne and Willacy. Also in attendance: Councillor Smith, Cabinet Member for Economic Development; Mr I Welland and Mr C Caesar from Streets Ahead Ltd.

12. RESOLVED that minutes of the meetings held on 25 th November and 9 th December, 2009, be signed as a correct record. 13. THE IMPACT OF THE NIGHT TIME ECONOMY – LEARN FROM GOOD PRATICE The Panel considered the report of the Head of Policy and Improvement on feedback from the Member visit to Brighton and Hove to examine good practice of the management of the Night Time Economy on 27 th November, 2009. In addition, the Panel noted the report from Mr D Geddes, LOCUM on the open day involving seminar sessions and ‘hands on exposure’ to the various council teams and partnerships across the city of Brighton that combine to manage the challenges and risks of a successful night time destination as appended. (Copy of report circulated with the agenda and appended to the signed minutes). The Panel received and raised questions relating to evidence and comments from the Chair of the Panel on his personal account of the visit to Brighton:- • the seminar sessions on licensing and Anti social behaviour; • the strong leadership and the prioritisation applied to the Night Time Economy by Brighton and Hove City Council; • the genuine partnership working between all organisations and persons involved in the Night Time Economy; • the non judgemental way in which professional people served the general public; • the public realm strategy employed in Brighton and Hove and the liberal, tolerant environment that had created; • the investment that Brighton had made in the environment and redesigning of the street scene, making some roads pedestrian friendly - the resulting impact was a reduction in problems such as anti social behaviour; • the public transport arrangements and the introduction throughout the City of ‘text 4 ur next bus’ and the only commercially viable night time bus service outside of London; • the various festivals and events that Brighton is famous for and the contribution they make to the local economy; • the use of ‘Community Pay Back’ to help keep the City clean and tidy; • the attitude and style of policing adopted to the night time economy in Brighton; • the introduction of the ‘Safe Place’; • the strong leadership, vision provided by Brighton and Hove City Council together with the cross service cooperation on issues and management of the Night Time Economy;

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• 30% reduction in the perception of people being drunk, or rowdy in public as well as 30% reduction of noise complaints related to licensed premises. In discussion the following points/questions were raised:- • the mix of age groups and activities and attractions for all age groups in the Brighton and Hove Night Time Economy and in particular, for the over 60 age group; • the possible benefits and opportunity to provide ‘a safe space’ in Southampton. The Panel received and raised questions relating to evidence and comments provided by Mr I Welland, City Centre Manager and Mr C Cesar, Night Time Economy Manager, Streets Ahead Southampton Ltd (Southampton’s City Centre Management Company) concerning the proposed introduction of the following initiatives to enhance the operation of the Southampton Night Time Economy:- • the commencement of discussions with the licensing trade regarding the implementation of the ‘yellow card scheme’; • the introduction of a regular (weekly) meeting between of door staff and the Night Time Economy Manager with a view to sharing information; and • the revival of the ‘Best Bar None’ scheme later in the year. In discussion the following points/questions were raised:- • the work experience and background of the Night Time Economy Manager in bar management work and in the City Council’s anti-social behaviour team; • the Night Time Economy Manager’s proposed fact finding visit to Brighton and his contacts with the ‘trade’ in the Night Time Economy in Southampton; • the proposals in respect of joint working with the Crime Reduction Partnership and feedback to members; and • the invitation from the Night Time Economy Manager to panel members to accompany him while carrying out his role in the City centre one night time. The Panel received evidence, comments and views on the Night Time Economy from the Cabinet Member for Economic Development and the Assistant Chief Executive (Economic Development and Regeneration):- • the Night Time Economy as an important economic ‘driver’ for the local economy; • the importance of a mix of activities in the Night Time Economy and attractions for all age groups; • the potential impact of the proposed developments at West Quay, Northern Above Bar and the Waterfront on the ‘offer’; • the ‘upside’ and the ‘downside’ of vibrant thriving Night Time Economy; • the amount of influence the City Council had on progressing and bringing forward major developments in the City; • the proposed commencement of the last phase of the Ocean Village development scheduled later this year will provide an area that would not be about vertical drinking; • the impact of the 2003 Licensing Act and the current reputation that the City’s Night Time Economy has developed; and • the different ‘offer’ that would be available when the Cultural Quarter development was completed.

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The Panel received and raised questions relating to a presentation from the Head of Policy and Improvement summarising the information and evidence gathered including:- • the key elements of evidence gathered so far on regeneration, culture, crime and disorder, licensing, planning, street cleansing, alcohol and transport; • the current list of best practice initiatives already in place in the City in the Night Time Economy; • the problems associated with the City’s Night Time Economy including alcohol related hospital admissions , perception not feeling safe at night, increases in violent crime; • the common themes of lack of diversity of ‘offer’, preloading, pressure on public services and lack of toilet provision; • the proposed future developments in the City and their potential to influence on the City’s Night Time Economy. The suggested vision discussed was: Southampton will be a regional centre of excellence for evening and night time entertainment, offering a diverse and vibrant choice of activities for all its residents and visitors. The proposed aims to deliver this vision were suggested as :- • a clean safe welcoming City centre assessable to all; • a variety of high quality sustainable facilities and activities within the City Centre; • a move away from linear, late night drinking culture and smoother transition between daytime and night time economy; • a varied and innovative programme of cultural events; • a improvement in local night time facilities and offer in district centres; and • a balance between amenities for residents in the City and promoting a vibrant safe night life. The following strategic recommendations were proposed:- • raise the profile of the City’s Night Time Economy; • develop a joint City Night Time Economy strategy with partners; • ensure the impact of the City’s Night Time Economy is considered in relation to all new policies and projects; • secure a purple flag in the medium term. The following operational recommendations were proposed:- • undertake research/consultation to better understand the Night Time Economy; • establish a cross cutting partnership Night Time Economy Delivery Board; • introduction of an annual Night Time Economy scorecard; • work with partners to market the City as a night time destination and increase cross-promotional work with neighbouring authorities; • ensure transport links keep pace with the expansion of the Night Time Economy; • undertake detailed assessment of options for addressing toilet shortages; and • review the Night Time Economy zones and facilitate an approach creating distinctive areas of the City (e.g. cultural zone, restaurant zone etc). 18

In discussion the following points/questions were raised:- • the urgent need for various proposed projects planned for the Woolston District Centre to be started; • the possibility of more events being staged in the City and the possibility that they could reduce preloading; • the final report should not contain to many recommendations; • the concept of ‘Safe Space’. The content, format in and people/organisations to be invite to contribute to the next meeting scheduled for 3 rd February 2010, was also discussed. RESOLVED (i) that the presentation made by the Head of Policy and Improvement together with the evidence submitted to the Panel by the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Mr I Welland and Mr C Caesar from Streets Ahead Ltd be noted and the information provided be entered into the Inquir y’s file of evidence; (ii) that Councillors representing City centre wards together with representatives of the Street Pastors be included on the list of those to be invited to the next meeting on 3 rd February 2010; and (iii) that written evidence be requested from the Southampton Youth Parliament, the Later Years Partnership and the Pensioners’ Forum.

19 Agenda Item 7 ITEM NO: 7

DECISION-MAKER: ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY SCRUTINY PANEL SUBJECT: THE IMPACT OF THE NIGHT TIME ECONOMY – STAKEHOLDER VIEWS DATE OF DECISION: 3 FEBRUARY 2010 REPORT OF: HEAD OF POLICY AND IMPROVEMENT

AUTHOR : Name: Suki Sitaram Tel: 023 8083 2060 E-mail: [email protected]

STATEMENT OF CONFIDENTIALITY None SUMMARY At the 6th meeting of the Night Time Economy Inquiry, the Panel will have the opportunity to hear feedback from a number of stakeholders. Written feedback has also been requested from a number of stakeholders including: Southampton Youth Parliament, Southampton Later Years Partnership and the Pensioners’ Forum and this will be sent to the Panel at a later date, before the last meeting of this Inquiry. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. (i) The Panel is recommended to consider the comments made by the invited guests, and to use the information provided as evidence in the inquiry. REASONS FOR REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS 2. To enable the Panel to compile a file of evidence in order to formulate findings and recommendations at the end of the inquiry process. CONSULTATION 3. Stakeholders are being consulted throughout the Inquiry process and this provides an opportunity for the Panel to hear directly from some stakeholders. Due to time pressures, a number of stakeholders have been requested to provide their feedback in writing. . ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED 4. None DETAIL 5. The Scrutiny Panel members expressed their wish to dedicate one meeting to feedback from stakeholders. In particular, the Panel wanted to consider evidence about the impact of the existing policies and practices relating to the Night Time Economy to analyse the causes for existing problems and to gather evidence from people who feel that the current provision does not meet their needs and who do not come into the City centre in the evenings and at night time.

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6. The following organisations have been requested to send representatives to provide feedback from the perspective of their members/ sector: • Federation of Southampton Tenants and Residents Association • Chamber of Commerce • Business Southampton • Solent University Student Union • Southampton University Student Union • Solent University • Southampton University • Street Pastors 7. At the request of the Scrutiny Panel, ward councillors from the following wards have also been invited to attend: • Bargate • Bevois • Freemantle FINANCIAL/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS Capital 8. Not applicable Revenue 9. Not applicable Property 10. Not applicable Other 11. Not applicable LEGAL IMPLICATIONS Statutory power to undertake proposals in the report : 12. The duty to undertake overview and scrutiny is set out in Section 21 of the Local Government Act 2000 and the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007. Other Legal Implications : 13. None POLICY FRAMEWORK IMPLICATIONS 14. None

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SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION Appendices None Documents In Members’ Rooms None Background Documents Title of Background Paper(s) Relevant Paragraph of the Access to Information Procedure Rules / Schedule 12A allowing document to be Exempt/Confidential (if applicable) None

Background documents available for inspection at : Not applicable FORWARD PLAN No: Not applicable KEY DECISION? No WARDS/COMMUNITIES AFFECTED: Not applicable

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