Councillor Watkins introduced the report which outlined the procedure for fly-tipping in private alleyways. He began by thanking the Cleaner, Greener, and Safer Overview & Scrutiny Committee for their work and extensive consultation with residents which had a good response rate. He also stated that in July a paper would go to Cleaner, Greener, and Safer Overview and Scrutiny Committee to discuss the household waste centre and fly-tipping. He also identified that the Community Engagement Development Fund (CEDF) grant, which was a funding solution to help residents clean up fly tipping in their alleyways, was now closed, but would reopen next year. He believed that this had worked well to help solve the problem and urged residents to apply for the grant when it reopened. He also stated that communications between the Council and residents had increased and asked for Cabinet to note the recommendations and to take into account the Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s recommendations.

Councillor Gledhill started discussions by reemphasizing Councillor Watkins point that fly-tipping was unnecessary as Thurrock had an excellent waste disposal system, and was expensive for residents and the Council to clear. He also stated that it was good to see this problem was being taken seriously, and that the Officers and Members were helping residents to receive the CEDF grant. He also reminded residents of the importance of reporting fly-tipping, as Council staff can only take action if they know it has occurred. He also drew the Members’ attention to the point that fly tipping offenders would be prosecuted if they fly tip on private or public land. The Leader then moved on to briefly outline the little known issue relating to fly tipping and the problems it can cause builders, as they cannot gain entrance to houses through back accesses, which can lead to a loss in revenue.

RESOLVED that Cabinet:

1.    Noted and commented on the recommendations of the Cleaner, Greener, Safer Overview and Scrutiny Committee found below:

Committee recommendation: That in instances where fly tipping in alleyways is identified, officers follow the following sequential approach:

I.              Signposting of concerned residents to funding opportunities such as the Community Environment Development Fun, to assist in target hardening or other measures such as gating to reduce the instances of fly-tipping in alleyways

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

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

IV.          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.

V.           To communicate this sequential approach to residents and provide information to facilitate resident organization, awareness of an participation in community initiatives to combat fly tipped alleyways.

2.    Councillor Watkins asked that an additional recommendation be added to ensure the Cleaner, Greener, Safer Committee return to Cabinet with further suggestions relating to the Community Engagement Development Fund.

Reason for Decision – as stated in the report

This decision is subject to call-in