Issue - meetings

To update the Scrutiny Commission on fly tipping incidents and the recent campaign, in response to the request at a previous meeting.

Following a request at a previous meeting, members were updated on fly tipping incidents and the recent Leicestershire-wide fly tipping campaign. It was noted that some authorities in Leicestershire were better at reporting incidents, which may explain some variations in figures in the table on page 5. It was also noted that the analysis of the data across the county and city did not provide a reason for the increase in fly tipping.

In relation to the countywide campaign, it was acknowledged that this hadn’t led to a decrease in fly tipping but had led to an increase in reporting, it had, however, led to an increase in use of the bulky collection service, which had been a key objective of the project.

It was reported that DEFRA had been consulting on a change to fixed penalty notices as, under the current regulations, a fly tipper who had been paid to dispose of a resident’s waste could receive a fixed penalty notice, but the resident would be prosecuted, but under the new regulations both would receive a fixed penalty notice.

Concern was expressed about activity at the household recycling sites as there had been reports of staff being threatened.

Members highlighted the speed with which fly tipping was removed once reported and thanked officers for their efforts. In response to a question from a member, it was explained that occasionally there may be a note left on fly tipping before collection because there may be a large amount of evidence to collect so a return was required.

The Chief Executive highlighted that the Head of Streetscene Services had spearheaded this countywide campaign and a regional event for the District Councils Network. Officers were commended for the report and their hard work on a day to day basis and in leading the countywide project.

RESOLVED – the report be noted.