Decision details

Ed Skinner, Regulatory Services Lead introduced the report and in response to questions he and Richard Lee, Regulatory Services Manager clarified the following points:

The council is looking at becoming more involved in the Proceeds of Crime Act and to generate more income for regulatory services. 

On one occasion when working with another authority, he had been required to arrange for a house in Spain to be seized under this act.

The Home Office determines how the money from the proceeds of crime is split: 50% is allocated to the Home Office and the remaining 50% is split equally between the three agencies involved in the investigation, enforcement and prosecution.  Portsmouth City Council is both the investigating and prosecuting agency.

One officer at band 10 costs the council approximately £50,000. 

Approximately two years ago, the Environmental Health, Trading Standards and two other services combined their activities. .

Councillor Corkery noted that the focus on older people was sensible.

Councillor Hunt noted that the more criminals the council prosecutes, the more assets can be seized and the more criminals can be caught and that people with mental health problems living at home are at risk of falling victim to scams more easily.  The council will always prosecute to its fullest ability.

DECISION

The Cabinet Member for Community Safety approved the manner in which Regulatory Services delivers its scams prevention work, and agreed that the council becomes a 'Friends Against Scams' Local Authority.