Council and democracy

Gavin Dennett, the Environmental Health and Trading Standards Manager, introduced the report that focussed on the findings of the Fly-Tipping Review of private alleys within the borough. The Review Panel had consisted of Officers and Councillor C Kent with suggestions and recommendations received being incorporated into the report.

Councillor Jones questioned whether the Community Environment Development Funding process be made easier for residents to apply. Gavin Dennett stated that was the intention of the report and assistance for residents would be made available by providing a standard document template and guidance notes on how best to complete them.

Councillor Jones questioned whether Thurrock had looked at other Local Authorities on what their approach was on this subject. Gavin Dennett stated that APSE members had been contacted but no responses had been received.

Councillor Collins asked how straightforward the gating of alleyways would be to undertake. Gavin Dennett stated that the Community Environment Development Funding would benefit a collective of local people with the help of the Council to get private alley ways gated. Consideration would need to be given to access available and that the Fire Brigade would need to be consulted in some instances.

Councillor Piccolo stated that specific arrangements would still need to be put in place for those alley ways that were not gated.

Councillor Piccolo stated that Option D to install additional CCTV should be considered as a further means of gathering evidence on those offenders that dumped litter on a regularly basis.  Gavin Dennett stated that CCTV was already being used but RIPA regulations had to be adhered to as to what level of surveillance could be used. Gavin Dennett reemphasised that the report tonight was to address fly-tipping in private alley ways.

Councillor Piccolo asked whether a list of companies that would collect local waste be added to the Council’s web site. Gavin Dennett said that he would need to check the legalities of publishing company details on-line and that the publicity campaign could be used to advertise these services. Julie Rogers stated company licences would need to be vetted and checked and that Thurrock Council could not rely on the Environment Agency vetting process.

Beau Stanford-Francis stated that the benefit of the Community Environment Development Fund meant that local people had to come together to apply for the scheme which would encourage buy in for the scheme. By putting in a small amount of money it would demonstrate their commitment to solve the fly-tipping problem in their area. The scheme could also encourage residents to report any incidents and provide witness statements that could be used to prosecute offenders.

Councillor C Kent questioned how those residents not in registered forums, groups or charities could apply for the funding. Beau Stanford-Francis stated that these were the details that residents could be advised and assisted on so that groups or forums could be formed or apply through existing organisations. 

Councillor C Kent stated she was not in favour of recommendation v. and would be voting against it.

Councillor Piccolo stated that recommendation ii. should be looked into to understand if it would be feasible otherwise the recommendations would be pointless.

Julie Rogers stated that the Community Environment Development Fund process would provide advice and assistance to residents completing the application form, details of which are due to be published on Thurrocks website. 

Councillor Piccolo stated that there were concerns on how local forums, charities or registered community groups could apply for the funding and until these were addressed the system would not work.

Julie Rogers stated that the Fly-Tipping of Alleys report would be presented at Cabinet in June 2018, so there was plenty of time to liaise with the Community Engagement Team and address any concerns that Members had.  The Community Environment Development Fund was soon to be launched.  Post Meeting Note: Julie Rogers has liaised with the Community Development Team and they have advised that funds must be paid to a constituted group. This does not have to be a registered charity. Groups of residents can apply through and existing group such as a local community forum, or through an umbrella group such as CVS.  If residents wish to apply for the fund they have the opportunity to attend workshops, details of which will be on our website and issued through a press release, where information will be provided and further guidance and support offered.

In response to why the report only addressed fly-tipping in alley ways, Julie Rogers reminded Members that this report was responding to the Council Motion which solely focused on fly-tipping of private alley ways but that the Council took fly-tipping very seriously.

Councillor C Kent stated that the motion presented at Full Council in June 2017 focused on fly-tipping of private alley ways and not general fly-tipping in the borough, but recognised that this was also an issue in the borough.

Councillor Jones thanked Officers and Councillor C Kent for the work undertaken.

RESOLVED

That the Cleaner Greener Safer Overview and Scrutiny Committee recommend to Cabinet the following policy approach for dealing with the issue of fly-tipping in private alleyways:

i.          That the Council launch a communications campaign to raise awareness of the responsibilities of all parties in relation to the clearance of alleys and providing information to facilitate resident organisation of and participation in community initiatives to combat fly tipped alleys.

That in instance where fly tipping in alley ways is identified, officers follow the following sequential approach:

ii.         Signposting of concerned residents to the Community Environment Development Fund, to assist in target hardening or other measures such as gating to reduce the incidence of fly tipping in alleyways.

iii.        Formally request that the occupiers of adjacent premises clear up their alleyway if concerns about non-hazardous alleyway accumulations persist.

iv.        Offer a paid service to clean up alleyway accumulations on a cost recovery basis where the steps above do not result in the fly tipping being removed.

v.         As a last resort, pursue enforcement action to ensure the removal of potentially hazardous accumulations against the occupiers of adjacent properties and to charge occupiers accordingly.