Agenda item

Drew Fussey and Tracy McLuckie provided an update before a discussion followed. The key points are highlighted below.

·         Environmental enforcement covers the following areas: waste offences, fly tipping, unauthorised encampments and dog control.

·         A new Unauthorised Encampment Policy has been developed and there is a Joint Working Protocol with North Yorkshire Police.

·         Members suggested that the Committee gets regular updates on environmental enforcement statistics. Officers agreed to provide updates but highlighted that work is required to standardise how data is collected and presented. It was hoped that regular updates could start in about six months. Members suggested that these should include information on how many fly tipping offences are reported, how many of these receive penalty notices and how many are taken to court.

·         There are roughly 50 reports of fly tipping in the Selby area per month, but this figure will include some duplication of reports. Roughly 50-60% of this is household waste (black bags, small items of furniture, etc.). Roughly 15% are white goods. About 80% of fly tipping is on public highways. The team is educating people on illegal waste carriers in an attempt to reduce fly tipping. Members asked for these statistics to be shared via email.

·         Members queried the number of people prosecuted for fly tipping. Officers reported that since the formation of NYC, very few cases have resulted in prosecution, but that the team hopes to increase the number of people going to court where there is viable evidence of fly tipping. Members highlighted the deterrent that prosecution could provide.

·         A Member reported a slow response to a burnt-out car in their division and Drew asked that Members report issues directly to him.

·         Members queried what work was being done to reduce litter on the side of the canal following the removal of bins owned by the Canal and Rivers Trust. Officers reported that the links between the Trust and NYC could be improved but reported good links with Waste and Street Scene colleagues. Officers are investigating whether bins can be introduced near to the canal where NYC can service them.

·         Concerns regarding graffiti were raised and Officers informed Members that there is an added difficulty on private land as it is the landowner’s responsibility to remove graffiti. In situations where the graffiti is offensive, NYC Waste and Street Scene Officers will be involved.

·         Members queried the use of Section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and Officers reported that the power is currently only used by planning colleagues. Members and Officers felt that it would be useful for environmental enforcement to have use of this power and requested that this be investigated.

·         Officers informed Members of multiple ways that residents could contact Officers regarding issues. Members suggested that this information be provided to all parish councils. These were:

o   Contact RegSupport@northyorks.gov.uk via email.

o   Use the relevant portal on the NYC website.

o   Call the relevant contact us phone number.

Resolved

a)    That the verbal update is noted.

b)    That regular updates on environmental enforcement statistics are brought to the Committee.

c)    That the statistics related to fly tipping are circulated to Members.

d)    That the Committee requests that Officers investigate the use of Section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 when it comes to environmental enforcement.

e)    That the Committee requests that contact details for environmental enforcement are circulated to all parish councils.

Councillor John Cattanach left the meeting at 11.30am.