Decision details

Members received a report which informed them about the results of the excess packaging initiative undertaken by the trading standards service.

It was reported that the trading standards service would extend the project to York based businesses in 2006/07 and proactively gave advice on minimising packaging.  The team would prioritise businesses producing high volume goods, and those businesses producing products which gave the most concern during the 2005/06 national packaging survey.  The approach adopted would be provision of advice in the first instance, followed by formal action if appropriate.

Member indicated that one of the main problem areas relating to excessive packaging involved the major supermarkets and they questioned whether prosecutions could be undertaken against multi national chains which were beyond the authorities boundaries.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised:

(i)     That the report be noted and Officers be asked to provide further updates on efforts by City of York Council to minimise packaging.

(ii)   That Officers focus on measures to reduce packaging used by multi national chains.

(iii)That in future updates Officers include details of misleading packaging and the powers available to the authority.

Decision of the Executive Member

RESOLVED:That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and the suggested decisions, above, be endorsed.

REASON:To update the Executive Member with the results of the excess packaging initiative undertaken by the trading standards service.