Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Climate Change which sought approval to adopt the revised Corporate Enforcement Policy from 1 April 2024 following internal review and wider public and partner consultation.  The report also sought approval to grant delegated authority to relevant Corporate Directors in consultation with the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to review and amend the Corporate Enforcement Policy as appropriate as and when required in the future (for copy of report see file of minutes).

Councillor M Wilkes, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods and Climate Change explained that the corporate enforcement policy was very important. The policy supported:

·      wardens to confiscate and crush vehicles of fly tippers;

·      the prosecution of a record number of fly tipping cases, issuing fixed penalty notices for antisocial behaviour such as littering and dog fouling;

·      planning teams to take action against inappropriate development;

·      housing teams to take action against rogue landlords to protect vulnerable tenants; and

·      enabled action against retailers selling age restricted products to young people and food takeaways that did not meet hygiene standards.

Enforcement was an important part of the responsibilities of a local authority to protect the public and the environment. Councillor Wilkes was grateful to officers in the Community Protection Team who had again led on the important update and revised policy which put the Council on a firm footing to continue this important work.

In Seconding the report, Councillor A Shield, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Equality and Inclusion explained that there was always a desire to seek positive solutions, however, there were times when enforcement was the only course of action, or the most appropriate course of action available. It was vital that Officers had the appropriate policy and legislative backing to allow them to do this effectively. The revision of the Corporate Enforcement Policy brought an important document up to date, incorporated the latest, national guidance and regulation. It had been subject to extensive public consultation and feedback, albeit, modest, which was contained within the final version presented to the Cabinet.

Resolved:

That the recommendations in the report be approved.