Issue - meetings

Recommendations

       i.         The Executive approves the implementation of the Urban Gull Strategy.

     ii.         The Executive notes the unfunded cost of £119k in 2026-27 and that growth will be required from 2027-28 to fund the strategy on an ongoing basis.

Considered a report of the Corporate Director of Environment seeking approval of the council’s new Urban Gull Strategy. Introducing the report, the Executive Member for Managing our Environment, Councillor Richard Foster explained how the new strategy set out a balanced approach of protecting gull populations in accordance with the council’s statutory duties while ensuring that residents, businesses, and visitors could enjoy clean, safe, and welcoming coastal environments. Councillor Foster added that following the recommendation of Scarborough and Whitby Area Committee, the council was also exploring the feasibility of piloting separate food waste collections in coastal areas. Other members of the Executive welcomed the report.

Resolved (unanimously) that

1. The Executive approves the implementation of the Urban Gull Strategy.

2. The Executive notes the unfunded cost of £119k in 2026-27 and that growth will be required from 2027-28 to fund the strategy on an ongoing basis.

Reasons for recommendations

The reasons for a new approach to deal with gulls are as follows:

·            The Council can fulfil its legal obligations under the Environment Act 2021 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

·            To ensure the coastal towns are welcoming, and safe for visitors, residents and businesses.

·            Protect public health from accumulations of guano, rubbish and litter etc.

·            Protect the integrity of buildings.

·            To promote an environment where gulls and people can coexist without conflict.

Alternative options considered

The UGS offers a co-ordinated and managed approach to establish an environment where gulls are accepted and protected as a valued part of coastal biodiversity and the coastal towns are maintained as welcoming, safe and thriving places for resident, visitors and business.  It is not an option to do nothing or return to lethal and other methods to control gull species as the Council would be at odds with its legal obligations and priorities.