Agenda item

The Area Council Manager introduced the item and reminded Members of the previous discussions held at the workshops and at the previous meeting of Central Area Council Members.  In summary there still remained issues with dog fouling and littering in the area, but it was recognised that many of the Fixed Penalty Notices had been issued for cigarette ends, and there had been difficulty in witnessing dog fouling incidents. 

However, Members noted the deterrent effect, and the relatively small cost of the service.  In readiness for the discussion, the Area Manager had revised the service specification, responding to previous concerns.  If approved the service would focus on litter other than cigarette ends and increase the use of intelligence to focus patrols, with feedback to be provided on a street level where patrols had taken place.  In addition the service would also have flexibility to be operational on evenings and weekends.

Members discussed the service, noting that it was still proposed to be zero tolerance, with a right to appeal. Issues with ensuring consistency if officers were to apply their own discretion were acknowledged.

Two other Area Councils had expressed an interest in commissioning an enforcement service, so it was suggested that these be put out to tender together but with three distinct lots.

It was suggested that the service be operational initially for 12 months with the option to extend for two further periods of 12 months, and it was suggested that the revised service be reviewed prior to the extension.

RESOLVED

(i)            That the Executive Director Communities be authorised to approve the service specification and associated documentation in order to procure an Environmental Enforcement Service at a cost of up to £45,000 per annum for an initial period of one year with the option to extend for two further periods of one year;

(ii)          That the Executive Director Communities be authorised to approve a Service Level Agreement with BMBC Safer Neighbourhood Service to deliver an Environmental Enforcement Support Service, as outlined in the report, at a cost of £5,000 per annum for an initial period of one year with the option to extend for two further periods of one year.