Decision details

Purpose of Report: to enable the Executive Members to review the formal enforcement action i.e. prosecutions, cautions etc. undertaken in 2020-21 as required by the council’s enforcement policy.

The Executive Member will be asked to review the formal enforcement action taken, and endorse a full review of the council’s enforcement policy in the coming year, after public consultation with residents and businesses, to ensure it remains fit for purpose as we rebuild from the coronavirus pandemic.

Resolved:

i.             That the contents of the report and action taken be noted, and that officers are asked to undertake a full review of the Council’s enforcement policy in the coming year.

ii.            That the additional workload in some areas compared to previous years be noted.

iii.          That officers be thanked for the work that they have done during a difficult time during the pandemic and lockdowns where guidance was rapidly changing, whilst implementing enforcement and giving advice to businesses and residents.

iv.          That the public and all councillors be consulted on policies to update the Council’s enforcement policy and reporting back of steps taken to enforce as well as promoting activities which will encourage positive behaviour and reduce harm before enforcement is required.

v.           That work be undertaken with North Yorkshire Police and Safer York Partnership to develop a holistic approach, involving the Communities Team, and Ward Teams, Business Improvement District, Retail Forum, traders’ associations, landlord associations, parish councils and town council, residents associations, schools and other bodies to ensure a city wide approach to show the collective work of statutory officers and partners to tackle enforcement issues, with clear performance reporting showing the distinct work of the Council’s enforcement teams.

vi.          That a communications plan be developed which reminds residents of the work that is done by the team, and how to contact them to request help, or provide information which can assist with enforcement.

vii.         That a report on the outcome of mobile CCTV camera use to tackle fly tipping be brought to a future decision session.

viii.       That an investigation of enforcement issues on construction sites be undertaken.

Reason: To ensure enforcement activity undertaken in 2020-21 has been reviewed in accordance with the Council’s enforcement policy and approve a review of the policy, with appropriate consultation with the public and businesses, in 2022.