Issue details
Enforcement Policy for Smoke Emissions within Smoke Control Areas (SCAs)
The report outlines a proposed CYC enforcement
policy for a new civil
penalty regime for smoke emissions from chimneys within designated
Smoke Control Areas (SCAs). The Executive Member will be asked to
agree the approach to the proposed enforcement policy
Decision type: Non-key
Decision status: For Determination
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Notice of proposed decision first published: 14/10/2024
Decision due: 19/11/24 by Decision Session - Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency
Lead member: Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency
Lead director: Director of Transport, Environment and Planning
Department: Directorate of Transport, Environment and Planning
Contact: Mike Southcombe 01904 551514 / Email: mike.southcombe@york.gov.uk Email: mike.southcombe@york.gov.uk.
Consultation process
Consultation has been undertaken with other
local authorities as part of officer
working groups and regional forum. The proposed policy is aligned
to statutory
national DEFRA guidance and reflects similar policies across other
local authority
areas. Environmental Protection staff have attended DEFRA workshops
on smoke
control and enforcement.
CYC’s Fourth Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP4) was subject to a
period of widespread public consultation between November 2023 and
February 2024, alongside CYC’s Local Transport Strategy.
Measures in AQAP4 aimed at reducing emissions from domestic and
industrial combustion / heating received 68% public support. AQAP4
includes specific measures relating to civil penalties for smoke
emissions and a commitment to review CYC’s current smoke
control area boundary.
CYC has previous undertaken a DEFRA funded campaign called
‘Fuel for Thought’. The campaign had specific emphasis
on PM emissions from domestic solid fuel burning and links to
health and generated a range of new resources for dissemination
across York. Baseline public awareness was established via online
pre-campaign survey work and in-person focus groups held across
different areas of York. These activities helped to shape the
messaging and creative route for the campaign. Further surveys were
undertaken post-campaign as part of the evaluation work. The
campaign improved public engagement on the topic of domestic solid
fuel burning, was well received, easily understood and sparked
interest and conversations.
Equality Impact Assessment Completed?: Yes