The Head of Residents Services presented the report to Members highlighting the following points:

•       The Counter Terrorism and Security Act became law on 16 February 2015, the Act placed a statutory duty on all principal councils from the 1 July 2015 to have “due regard to the need to prevent people being drawn into terrorism”. This was known as the Prevent Duty;

•       The Prevent duty guidance, published alongside the Act sets an expectation which included that local authorities:

o   Establish or make use of an existing local multi-agency group to agree risk and co-ordinate prevent activity (these multi-agency groups, through local authorities, will be expected to put in place arrangements to effectively monitor the impact of Prevent work).

o   Mainstream the prevent duty so it becomes part of the day-to-day work of the Authority, in particular children’ safeguarding.

It was explained that to date the Thurrock Community Safety Partnership (TCSP) had been leading on Prevent since it had originally been brought in. Within the TCSP structure there was currently a Prevent Strategic Group (PSG) who met regularly. Members were informed meetings of the PSG were chaired by the Head of Resident Services.

She continued to advise the Committee of the key deliverables of the Strategy which were:

•       Identify local threat

•       Ensure activities in place to respond to it

•       To ensure all agencies within Thurrock respond to the local duty

It was asked of Members to discuss the Membership of a Working Group into Prevent, following a Motion being agreed at Full Council in 2015.

Councillor Hague enquired as to whether there were any cases currently being undertaken. The Head of Resident Services confirmed that there was currently one channel in progress.

Councillor Ray raised concerns as he felt should Councillors get too involved they could be targets of such behaviour. It was explained that the suggestion of a working group was proposed and agreed via a motion a Full Council. The Head of Resident Services further explained that the council was working in partnership with Essex Police and other safety groups.

Councillor Stone sought as to whether Members would receive training on the topic of Prevent. It was confirmed that training had been offered for Councillors in relation to Prevent, so that Members were able to raise awareness whilst being better informed and to have the knowledge of who to contact.

During discussion on setting up the Working Group the Committee suggested there be at least 1 Member from each of the main Political Parties and 1 seat for an Independent Member.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the contents of the Thurrock Community Safety Partnership Prevent Strategy are noted.

2.    That a Working group be established in the new municipal year to address the terms of reference found at Appendix 2 of this report.

3.    That the number of Members of the Working group be agreed, following which Group Leaders will be requested to make nominations in accordance with political proportionality.

4.    That the scope and terms of reference of the working group be agreed, as outlined in draft in appendix 2.