Agenda item

The Director of Neighbourhood and Environmental Services submits a report giving an overview of the management of fly-tipping in Leicester.  The Commission is recommended to comment on the work, and progress made, since the previous report and the developing approach to the policy of “Prepare Protect Prevent Pursue”.

The Director of Neighbourhood and Environmental Services submitted a report providing an overview of the management of fly-tipping in Leicester.

The Head of Standards and Development (Neighbourhood and Environmental Services) gave a presentation, a copy of which is attached at the end of these minutes for information. 

During the presentation and ensuing discussion the following points were made:

·           There had been a 10% reduction in the number of incidences of fly-tipping in the city since November 2016;

·           The type of waste being fly-tipped was examined, as well as the amount, in order to help address the issue and identify those responsible;

·           All reports of fly-tipping were investigated;

·           Intelligence and good practice were shared where relevant.  One example of this was through the Leicestershire Enforcement Forum, on which the Council was represented.  Following the introduction of an intelligence-led approach to fly tipping the number of incidents had reduced significantly.  Suggestions for how this success could be continued and improved were welcome;

·           There was a 24 hour target time for clearance of fly-tipping, starting from the time it was reported or discovered;

·           Investigations in to high levels of fly tipping in Fosse Ward had shown that large numbers of East European residents had moved in to the area so, following consultation with the Ward Councillors, leaflets were produced in the four main Eastern European languages spoken in the ward, explaining the Council’s waste collection services.  If this was successful in reducing levels of fly tipping, the initiative would be extended to other wards;

·           Evidence suggested that approximately 20% of businesses did not comply with waste removal legislation.  The Council therefore was undertaking a rolling programme of visits to businesses to ensure they were compliant.  The programme was starting with visits to businesses on main arterial routes and then moving to other areas;

·           Fly tippers would be pursued where possible, including prosecutions being made where needed.  Courts imposed fines on businesses on the basis of their turnover, so fines could be high for large companies;

·           It was recognised that the Council’s City Wardens could not visit every ward every day, but there was some concern that they were not sufficiently visible.  In reply, Councillor Sood, (Assistant City Mayor with responsibility for Communities and Equalities), noted that the number of fly-tipping reports had reduced and encouraged Members to ring the City Wardens to report problems;

·           If a problem in a particular location was identified, a problem profile could be drawn up.  This would include action to be taken to resolve the problem.  However, resolving problems could take a lot of work and time;

·           Education was important, for example reinforcing the need to dispose of waste legally.  Methods for this included the distribution of leaflets and posters about the services available; and

·           The City Council was one of the few local authorities in the country offering a free bulky waste collection and weekly waste collections.

Members advised that reports had been received from housing association tenants about difficulties they had persuading landlords to clear rubbish for which the landlords had responsibility.  It was noted that Houses in Multiple Occupation were licensed, so the possibility of taking enforcement action through that route would be considered.  Where possible, officers also worked with housing associations to encourage them to engage with waste management processes.

Members also reported anecdotal evidence that staff making bulky waste collections were refusing to take objects for various reasons, (for example, items being incorrectly packed, items being wet because of weather conditions, or there being insufficient items to collect).  Contractor’s staff answering telephone calls also had been reported to be rude and/or hostile.  The Director of Neighbourhood and Environmental Services asked to be advised of any such incidents so that they could be followed up with the contractor.

AGREED:

1)    That the progress made and ongoing work in relation to managing fly-tipping in the city be welcomed;

2)    All Members be invited to pass suggestions for how the reduction in fly-tipping incidents can be continued and improved to the Director of Neighbourhood and Environmental Services; and

3)    That Members advise the Director of Neighbourhood and Environmental Services of:

a)     incidences of housing association tenants reporting difficulties persuading landlords to clear rubbish; and

b)     complaints they receive about the waste collection contractor’s work and staff.

Councillor Waddington left the meeting during discussion on this item

Councillor Halford left the meeting at the conclusion of this item