Issue - meetings

a)         That officers be authorised to take all necessary actions to proceed with proposals for the installation of physical control measures on the building at the earliest opportunity.

b)         That officers be authorised to identify key non-health agency partners with a view to jointly procuring appropriate training, the details of which shall be approved by the relevant officer and Portfolio Holder.

Cllr Kyle Robinson presented a question to Cabinet in relation to the item regarding the reasons why there was a significant increase in suicide rates across the West Midlands in relation to other parts of the United Kingdom.

The Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities agreed that the most effective way to help solve the current problems relating to suicide rates was to tackle the underlying problems. These underlying problems were varied and people using the Midway car park to attempt or commit suicide were known not just to come from the local area. The Portfolio Holder agreed that he would liaise with the LAPs regarding the issue.

Concerns were raised by Members regarding the publicity given to the Midway car park by the press and it was agreed that this could be detrimental to the current situation.

The report provided an overview of suicide attempts at the Council owned/managed Midway multi storey car park over the last four years and sought Cabinet approval for actions identified to implement further suicide prevention measures at this location.

Resolved:

a)         That officers be authorised to take all necessary actions to proceed with proposals for the installation of physical control measures on the building at the earliest opportunity.

b)         That officers be authorised to identify key non-health agency partners with a view to jointly procuring appropriate training, the details of which shall be approved by the relevant officer and Portfolio Holder.