Issue - meetings

To seek approval from the Executive for the proposed Health and Environment Enforcement Policy 2019 – 2024.

Decision

That the Health and Environment Enforcement Policy be approved and the introduction and use of civil penalties, penalty charge notices and charging for enforcement activity be supported.

None.

The Health and Environment Enforcement Policy sought to clarify the principles under which the Health and Environment service area would undertake regulatory activity in that the Council would:

·         ensure that the authority enforced the law in a fair, equitable and consistent manner;

·         work to assist businesses and others in meeting their legal obligations;

·         maintain its focus on prevention rather than cure, where appropriate;

·         take action against those who breached the law or acted irresponsibly.

The Policy clarified other principles and adoption of guidance regarding the Council’s approach to good regulation and enforcement and applied the functions carried out by the following services:

·         Environmental Health – Food Safety, Health and Safety, Pollution Control and Private Sector Housing;

·         Licensing;

·         Anti-Social Behaviour and Public Protection.

A full version of the proposed Policy was appended to the report and had been considered by the Policy Scrutiny Committee on 8 October 2019.