Decision details

          Upon the invitation of the Chair, the Environmental Services & Strategy Manager presented the report to the Committee. He explained that the purpose of the report was to seek the Committee’s approval to extend the partnership agreement with East Hampshire Council Commercial Services, which provided a littering and dog fouling enforcement service at zero cost to the taxpayer. He highlighted paragraph 4.12, an update regarding the Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs). The report also detailed a break to the service due to Covid-19, where patrols stopped in line with restrictions, however he noted that the Enforcement Officers were given alternative responsibilities during this period.

          Members then took part in a question-and-answer session and the following points were made:

• It was noted that there was a cost to the public when additional litter bins were put in hotspot areas.
• Where should the public direct intelligence regarding hot spot areas? The Environmental Services & Strategy Manager explained people could get in touch directly with himself or Dan Cox, Cleansing Operations Manager.
• How much were the FPNs? Were these usually issued for large scale offences or singular items of litter? The Environmental Services & Strategy Manager explained the cost of an FPN was £60 if paid within the appropriate timescales, and these were usually issued for singular items of litter.
• Why was there a spike since May 2022? The Environmental Services & Strategy Manager explained there were usually more people out and about in the summer months and therefore the numbers of FPNs issued were usually higher.
• If this generated income, why would Arun not take this over themselves? The Environmental Services & Strategy Manager explained there was not huge profit generated from this service, it covered the baseline costs and East Hampshire were market leaders in the service and carried out the scheme very successfully.
• Was there an arrangement with local schools regarding the litter dropped by children? The Environmental Services & Strategy Manager thought this may have been done in the past, and could be something to look at reinvesting any income generated from the scheme into.

          The recommendation was proposed by Councillor Chace and seconded by Councillor English.

          The Committee

RESOLVED

That an extension to the existing agency agreement with East Hampshire Council Commercial Services for a period of up to 3 years in line with the principles as set out in the report, be supported.