Issue - meetings

To consider adoption of the Scrap Metal Dealers Policy.

This report was considered by the Licensing Committee on 10 February 2020. An extract from the minutes of that meeting is attached.

Members received a report which proposed adoption of the Scrap Metal Dealers Policy following a consultation process. Some concern was expressed about the ease of enforcement of such a policy. It was moved by Councillor Cartwright, seconded by Councillor Sheppard-Bools and

RESOLVED – the Scrap Metal Dealers Policy be adopted.

To endorse the policy following consultation.

Consideration was given to the scrap metal dealers policy following the recent consultation exercise. It was noted that there had been support for the policy from the operators and visits had subsequently been carried out, finding all were operating in accordance with regulations and policy.

Councillor Webber-Jones entered the meeting at 6.34pm.

A member asked whether dealers had to provide information about the area to be used for storage of scrap metal and in response it was noted that the only address they were required to submit was the registered site office.

It was noted that it was not a requirement to have a scrap metal dealers policy and not all districts in Leicestershire had adopted one.

A member was concerned about stolen metal being sold to dealers but in response it was noted that cash payments for metal were illegal and sellers had to produce identification.

In response to a member’s question, it was noted that authorised collectors must have their licence on display in their windscreen. A member requested a list of licenced dealers for quick reference and it was noted that there was a public register on the website which contained this information.

It was moved by Councillor Cartwright, seconded by Councillor R Allen and

RESOLVED – the scrap metal dealers policy be RECOMMENDED to Council.

To seek approval of the policy.

Members received a report on the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 and related policy. In response to members’ questions, it was noted that:

·         Public registers of all licenses were available on the council’s website;

·         Licenses were displayed at all licensed sites;

·         Over the last six years, two closure notices had been served;

·         Visits to sites were undertaken in conjunction with the Licensing Officer from the police;

·         If reports of unlicensed collectors were received, they would receive a visit from officers.

It was moved by Councillor Cartwright, seconded by Councillor R Allen and

RESOLVED – the Scrap Metal Dealers Policy be approved for consultation.