Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Service Delivery, (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Service Delivery seeking review of the current charging levels imposed by Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) for various environmental or antisocial behaviour offences, including fly posting, fly tipping, littering, dog fouling, abandoned vehicles and antisocial behaviour.  Appendix 1 to the report provided details of the proposed charges.

The report provided background information and statistical information regarding the powers previously used by the Council to issue FPNs to deter residents and visitors from committing such offences.  Legislation set out the default and maximum penalty levels and Members were advised that many Councils had moved to charging the maximum penalty which acted as a greater deterrent.  

Members were advised that the proposed increase to the level of FPN for anti-social behaviour offences would act as a positive deterrent, sending a strong message to potential offenders.

In response to a question, the Director of Service Delivery confirmed that there was ‘no change’ proposed for the offence - Failure to produce authority to transport waste (Waste Carriers permit / licence).

RECOMMENDED

(i)              That the levels of charge from 1 April 2020 be increased up to the maximum levels permitted under the legislation as set out in APPENDIX 1 to these Minutes;

(ii)            That that the team continues to support educational campaigns targeting public awareness of environmental offences.