Issue - meetings

Recommendation

The proposed North Yorkshire Council Enforcement Policy is adopted (Appendix A).

Considered – A report of the Corporate Director of Environment seeking approval for the adoption of a single Enforcement Policy for North Yorkshire Council.  The policy set out a clear, consistent, and transparent framework for how the Council would undertake enforcement activities across its services. It aimed to ensure that enforcement was carried out in a fair, proportionate, and effective manner, supporting compliance, protecting public interests, and promoting community confidence in how the Council delivered its regulatory functions.

Resolved

That the proposed North Yorkshire Council Enforcement Policy is adopted (Appendix A).

Reasons for recommendations

The new North Yorkshire Council Enforcement Policy sets out a clear, consistent, and transparent framework for how the Council will undertake enforcement activities across its services. It aims to ensure that enforcement is carried out in a fair, proportionate, and effective manner, supporting compliance, protecting public interests, and promoting community confidence in regulatory services.

The proposed policy is in accord with the principles of the Regulators’ Code and associated legal requirements and the furtherance of good practice in the delivery of our regulatory responsibilities.

Alternative options considered

Continued reliance upon predecessor enforcement policies, although permitted under local government reorganisation transitional arrangements, is not a suitable longer-term position and exposes the Council, and regulatory officers, to risk of legal challenge and obstacle to successful delivery of regulatory functions. Therefore, in essence, bringing forward a harmonised approach is the only viable option.