Issue - meetings

To consider the attached report of the Head of Regulatory Services.

The Environmental Enforcement Manager presented the report on Environmental Enforcement Service Delivery.

It was stated that in November 2016 the Cabinet had agreed to a trial using contractors to patrol the District and issue fixed penalty notices (FPNs) for offences relating to litter and dog fouling. While the initial contract was entered into with Kingdom Services Group Limited for 12 months there was provision for two extensions of 12 months each to the contract. It was proposed that the contract be extended for a further 12 months with a variation to reduce the number of field officers from 3 to 2.

There were no direct costs to the Council as the contractors costs were met from monies generated by FPNs. The income generated from FPNs was also used to fund envirocrime initiatives such as the seizure of vehicles involved in fly tipping.

In response to concerns expressed by some Members as to whether the service provided best value for money and if contractors were more likely to target easy fines, it was stated that the Council had control over what was enforced and could target the contractors to work on specific areas or tasks.

RESOLVED: That it be recommended to Cabinet:

(a)  That the current contract be extended by a period of 12 months with a variation to the current terms reducing the amount of field officers from 3 to 2.

(b)  That the Committee be provided with a report outlining the costs of operating the service and the revenue generated by the service as well as regular updates on service performance.

To consider the attached report of the Director of Governance.

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Property Management and Environmental Health

It was agreed that the extension of the current contract with Kingdom Services Group Limited by 12 months be approved.