Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Service Manager Community Safety & Enforcement.

Place Scrutiny Committee considered the report at its meeting on 12 June 2017 and its comments will be reported.

The Interim Director Public Realm presented the reportidentifying options available to provide additional environmental enforcement to support the Clean Streets Strategy. He highlighted the proposed pilot scheme which would use a specialist private contractor to test the impact of higher visibility enforcement on littering and dog fouling. The scheme would last for 12 months and would include education and engagement with the public, using all relevant media in order to highlight the issues of littering and dog fouling.

In response to Members’ questions, the Interim Director Public Realm confirmed that there would be balanced approach to the enforcement and he would welcome interaction with Councillors who had local knowledge which could help with this pilot scheme.

Place Scrutiny Committee considered the report at its meeting on 12 June 2017 and its comments were reported.

RESOLVED that:-

(1)     a 12 month pilot scheme using a specialist private contractor in order to test the impact of higher visibility enforcement on littering and dog fouling be undertaken;

(2)     a sensitive and balanced approach to environmental enforcement be ensured through an appropriate operational pre-agreement with the provider; and

(3)     such a scheme with a focused campaign proceed via all relevant media in order to educate and engage residents and visitors on the issues of littering and dog fouling.

To consider the report of the Service Manager Community Safety & Enforcement.

The Service Manager Community Safety and Enforcement presented a report which sought to identify the options available to provide additional environmental enforcement to support the Clean Streets Strategy. He highlighted the proposed pilot scheme which would use a specialist private contractor to test the impact of higher visibility enforcement on littering and dog fouling. The scheme would last for 12 months and would include education and engagement with the public, using all relevant media in order to highlight the issues of littering and dog fouling

In response to Members’ questions, the Service Manager Community Safety and Enforcement responded:

·         There would be a contractor selection process  where details of officer numbers and deployment times and locations  would be discussed and agreed;

·         There had been minimal fines since 2010/11 where a total of 619 Fixed Penalties were issued. The fines were for £75;

·         An approach would be agreed with the successful contractor to protect the Council’s reputation and  to provide appropriate means to collect fixed penalty fines

·         The 12 month pilot scheme would cover the whole city, to include areas where residents were likely to own more dogs;

·         Paid dog walkers would be included in the scheme to ensure they comply with ;

·         Discussions would be held with the contractor to ensure both littering and dog fouling offences were addressed. Initial exploratory research suggested it would be likely that four officers would patrol in pairs with the Police being made aware of their presence and remit.

·         The expectation is that the pilot scheme would incur no cost to the Council.

Place Scrutiny Committee supported and recommended approval by Executive of the following:-

(1)     to undertake a 12 month pilot scheme using a specialist private contractor in order to test the impact of higher visibility enforcement on littering and dog fouling;

(2)     to ensure a sensitive and balanced approach to environmental enforcement through an appropriate operational pre-agreement with the provider; and

(3)     to precede such a scheme with a focused campaign via all relevant media in order to educate and engage residents and visitors on the issues of littering and dog fouling.