Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director (DB).

The Executive received the report which provided a summary of the results from the recent year-long environmental enforcement pilot project and provided available options for permanent environmental enforcement solutions. The results also provided steps to address issues including parking and illegal camping.

Particular reference was made to the environmental enforcement trial which had primarily been undertaken in the city centre with the results being progressed internally. The scheme would also provide additional resources and flexibility for environmental enforcement officers in the work they undertake.

Councillor D. Moore, having given notice under Standing Order No. 44, spoke on this item, requesting the Executive to provide further responsibility to both current and new enforcement officers in conjunction with the Highway’s Authority, to take action against vehicles idling under the Road Traffic regulations in order to support air quality in the city. She further enquired about the definition of illegal camping and whether fines would be applied to homeless sleepers or travellers covered by the Equalities Act.

Councillor K. Mitchell speaking under Standing Order No. 44, welcomed the report and enquired on expanding the remit for Environmental Enforcement Officers to include vehicle idling, which was a growing issue in several wards. He sought assurance that communities outside of the city centre would also be covered and whether fly tipping would be addressed as part of the officer responsibilities.

During the discussion, the following points were raised:-

·         The report identified that there had been more offences recorded in the city centre, which would be the major area focus for environmental issues;

·         It was important to raise income through the process to cover the costs of officers to support keeping the city clean;

·         Residents and visitors needed to be encouraged to support the process by keeping the city clean and tidy;

·         The focus of the scheme was on littering, illegal parking and illegal encampments on Council land. The remit of the work could potentially be expanded, once appropriate powers were made available;

·         Air quality and carbon dioxide emissions would be continually monitored; and

·         Homeless residents were not included under illegal encampments and would not receive fines.

RECOMMENDED that Council approve:-

(1)  the recruitment of an additional Civil Enforcement Officer (Response) post (1 x FTE) at Grade F; and

(2)  the inclusion of environmental enforcement work alongside the duties of the existing Civil Enforcement Officer (Response) team (3 x FTEs).