Agenda item

TPugh provided the update, noting the number of high-risk food inspections is just under 60% as they continue to work through the backlog, though they are on target to fully recover this by Q2. The number of fixed penalty notices issued by district enforcement for the PSPO is 3,536.

Cllr Beauchamp noted that the report refers to a spatial planning environment and asked if the Committee is spatial or strategic. It was noted that the Committee is strategic.

Cllr Wyatt-Lowe referred to a public health panel meeting and noted a discussion regarding health prevention matters. A question regarding air pollution was raised and that the amount of particulates exposes residents to health problems, and Cllr Wyatt-Lowe asked if DBC is doing all it can to push Hertfordshire to address these issues.

Cllr Banks agreed with the comments, noting that their relationship with partners and stakeholders is critical to the work they are doing locally to improve air quality. DBC's main role is to monitor and contribute to meetings, and they are actively participating in a number of forums.

Cllr Wyatt-Lowe confirmed that she requested at the panel meeting a possible scrutiny on air quality and the need for more regular reporting to Public Health.

Cllr England noted that the report previously included a breakdown on the types of offences and the locations. The Chair suggested that TPugh look at previous updates to see the level of information provided on district enforcement.

Cllr England asked if there has been any balancing out regarding tackling litter across the borough and not just penalising smokers. TPugh confirmed that he would provide the member with this information and that the highest offence is the littering of cigarette butts, with Hemel Hempstead town centre seeing the most offences. The Chair noted that Hemel Hempstead town centre has the greatest footfall and therefore the greater intensity of enforcement, which can skew the figures.

Cllr England noted that Keep Britain Tidy states that cigarette litter accounts for 70-90% and if DBC is recording over 90% then this suggests they are not being as proportional as they should.

Cllr Wyatt-Lowe commented that, going through Hemel Hempstead town centre, the greatest accumulation of cigarette butts is around bins and asked if the bins are designed correctly.

Cllr Beauchamp suggested that the bin design isn't the issue and that people take a 'near enough' approach and throw cigarette butts towards the bin.

Cllr Guest referred to the 2,666 PSPOs that have been paid and 870 tickets were cancelled, some of which are due to being referred to prosecution. Cllr Guest noted that 327 were prosecuted through the single justice procedure and asked for clarification on what this is. The Chair advised that this is a way of ensuring that the individual doesn't have to go before the court and acts in a similar way as an on-the-spot fine. Cllr Guest asked if this refers to all cases referred to prosecution. The Chair suggested that if there is no challenge to the case then most will go through the single justice procedure.

The report was noted.

ACTION: TPugh to provide further reporting on district enforcement