Agenda item - Environmental Enforcement Framework Update

Report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture

1)           That the Committee approves the updated Environmental Enforcement Framework as detailed in Appendix 1.

2)           That the Committee approves permission to consult on the preferred approach for managing commercial waste bins on the highway as detailed in Appendix 2.

11.1      The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture that sought approval of a Environmental Enforcement Framework and sought permission to consult on the preferred approach for managing commercial waste bins on the highway.

11.2      Councillor West noted that between April and June there was one fine issued for dog fouling and two fines issued for graffitiing and asked why these were so low. Councillor West asked for further details and clarification on the commercial waste proposal as at face value, it appeared complex and unclear.

11.3      The Assistant Director, City Environmental Management clarified that issuing fines for graffiti was difficult as it was often undertaken at night and in secluded locations. Measures considered to step up enforcement included mobile CCTV operation and working much closer with Sussex Police on the matter. The Assistant Director, City Environmental Management added that enforcement on dog fouling was new to the enforcement framework and measures being undertaken to that end was increased patrols where cases of dog fouling had been reported as well as a proactive educational campaign in problem areas. In relation to commercial waste, the Assistant Director, City Environmental Management explained that commercial bins placed on council land could be licensed however, it was an offence to place a commercial bin on Highways land without permission. There were a variety of methods businesses could use to manage commercial waste where refuse storage was limited that included trade sacks and more regular collections.    

11.4      Councillor Wares stated that an unintended consequence of the commercial waste collections could be that businesses stored waste in unsuitable locations and that could have a knock-on effect on food safety and hygiene. Councillor Wares stated that whilst he understood the in-house enforcement service had only been in place for a relatively short period of time, lack of enforcement in suburban areas was still an issue and overall fines were down compared to the previous arrangement.

11.5      RESOLVED-

1)           That the Committee approves the updated Environmental Enforcement Framework as detailed in Appendix 1.

2)           That the Committee approves permission to consult on the preferred approach for managing commercial waste bins on the highway as detailed in Appendix 2.