Agenda item

The Committee considered the report of the Corporate Management Team which presented progress against the Councils corporate performance framework for the Altogether Greener priority theme for the third quarter of the 2017/18 financial year (for copy of report, see file of minutes).

The Corporate Scrutiny and Performance Manager was in attendance to present the report.

Councillor Kay referred to page 22, paragraph 8 of the report in relation to the 2% increase on the last quarter of fly-tipping incidents and asked if there were particular spikes county wide. He then referred to his particular division which was inundated with fly-tipping and on two occasions personal details had been found with the rubbish which had been reported but no action had been taken which was disappointing as the community had reported the incidents to him but saw no outcome.

The Chairman advised that he had a similar situation with fly-tipping in his division where there was insufficient evidence for a prosecution to be brought, but the Neighbourhood Wardens would use as an opportunity to educate residents how to dispose of waste.

Councillor Kay then referred to a walk about with the MP in Coundon where they witnessed tyres been burnt which was an environmental hazard he continued that it was frustrating when members of the public provide information on incidents of fly tipping and nothing happens as that this could make people less inclined to help in the future.

The Officer responded that he could provide further information on fly-tipping to show trends and hotspots for the next meeting of the Committee.

The Chairman commented that the performance information only showed fly tipping incidents on Durham County Council’s land and did not include fly-tipping incidents on private land.

Councillor Sexton enquired if the Council used statistics from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, which was confirmed. He continued that there were issues in rural areas and asked if Members could be provided with details of the areas covered by wardens and how many cameras are available for deployment in different areas. The Officer responded that he could provide Members with the information requested.

Mr Kinch advised of a farmer who found industrial grade tyres on land close to his farm that turned out to be council land and the incident was cleared within 24 hours and suggested that the system was working in the Dales even though there is only one warden working in this area.

The Chair reminded members of the size of the County and advised the neighbourhood wardens cannot be everywhere if incidents were reported they would be followed up.

Councillor Crute advised in relation to Wardens and cameras that there were inconsistencies across County Durham and this is largely a reactive service, it would be helpful to get information.

The Chairman reminded members of the strict rules in relation to deploying cameras and that the Council is not allowed to deploy cameras in public spaces.

Members discussed the deployment of CCTV cameras in particular that some were purchased by Members but then became the property of Durham Constabulary after a year.

Councillor Milburn asked if they were not two different schemes for the purchase of cameras whereby some remained the property of the council and others became the property of the police after a limited time period.

The Chair advised that if they were different purchases then they would be subject to different rules.

Resolved: That the report be noted.