Agenda item

The Area Chair introduced the item, referring to the existing contract, which was being delivered until 31^st March, 2016.  It was noted that the contract had an annual cost of £32,118 for one full time officer, currently employed by Kingdom Security, and relevant support from BMBC Community Safety to provide uniforms, and to process fines and payments.

It was acknowledged that a further procurement exercise would need to be undertaken if Members wished for a service to continue after 31^st March, 2016.  It was noted that a number of other Area Councils were in a similar position, and were interested in continuing to provide an Environmental Enforcement service.   Combined, this would exceed EU financial thresholds and therefore would need to go through a more extended procurement process.  However, it was noted that though it would be a combined commission, this would be separated into smaller ‘lots’ with associated contracts, enabling more local management.

Members were supportive of re-commissioning an Environmental Enforcement Service at the current level for an additional year, with the opportunity to extend this should the need remain, and the finance be available.

RESOLVED

i) that the Environmental Enforcement Service be re-commissioned for a year, with an opportunity to extend for an additional year, at a cost of approximately £30,955 per annum to provide one officer and associated costs, with a view to commencing 1^st April, 2016;

ii) that further detail be brought to a future meeting of Dearne Area Council for discussion.