Issue - meetings

Following a report of the Group Manager for Streetscene and Open Spaces, the Environment Policy Development Group had made the following recommendations:

a)    The fine for littering be increased to the statutory maximum of £150.

b)    The time allocated to discretionary duties be varied as specified in paragraph 2, Table 2.

c)    Policies, systems and procedures necessary to enable Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN’s) to be served on the relevant person(s) associated with littering from vehicles be introduced.

The Cabinet had before it a * report of the Group Manager for Street Scene and Open Spaces, the Environment Policy Development Group had  considered the report and made the following recommendations:

a)    The fine for littering be increased to the statutory maximum of £150.

b)    The time allocated to discretionary duties be varied as specified in paragraph 2, Table 2.

c)    Policies, systems and procedures necessary to enable Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN’s) to be served on the relevant person(s) associated with littering from vehicles be introduced.

The Leader outlined the contents of the report highlighting the activity and priorities of the District and Neighbourhood Officers, the performance information available and the proposed increased fines in line with Government policy.

Consideration was given to:

·         How the public could be better educated with regard to the disposal of litter

·         Specific hotspots where littering was a problem

·         Education programmes for schools

·         The work of the Litter Busters team

·         The ‘any bin will do’ initiative

RESOLVED that the recommendation of the Policy Development Group be approved.

(Proposed by the Chairman)

Note: *Report previously circulated, copy attached to minutes.

To receive a report outlining the performance of the Street Scene Education and Enforcement service for the first twelve months of operation following the service review in 2016/17.

The Group had before it a report * from the Group Manager for Street Scene and Open Spaces outlining the first full year performance of the Street Scene Education and Enforcement Services following the service review in 2016/17.

Consideration was given to:

·         The high number of dog fouling complaints to Ward Members;

·         The limited amount of District Officer resource available and the need to put this where it would have best effect;

·         Investing in the further education of dog owners might not be constructive since many knew fouling was wrong but still did not want to pick up after their dogs;

·         Localities could still be provided with signs to deter owners from allowing their dogs to foul;

·         The Government had introduced a new Litter Strategy for England to curb littering with proposals for new enforcement, education and community engagement. Mid Devon District Council was now proposing to adopt those powers;

·         District Officers were very reliant on intelligence from the public and this was encouraged. However, members of the public had to be prepared to sign a statement and stand up in court if a successful prosecution was to ensue if a fixed penalty notice was not paid.

RECOMMENDED to the Cabinet that:

a)    The fine for littering be increased to the statutory maximum of £150.

b)    The time allocated to discretionary duties be varied as specified in paragraph 2, Table 2.

c)    Policies, systems and procedures necessary to enable Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN’s) to be served on the relevant person(s) associated with littering from vehicles be introduced.

(Proposed by Cllr R Evans and seconded by Cllr R Wright)

Note: * Report previously circulated; copy attached to the signed minutes.