Agenda item

The Environmental Health Manager, Performance and Public Protection presented a report to the Committee, outlining the challenges presented by COVID-19 and prioritisation of work during this time.  He outlined the legislative framework and enforcement relating to fly-tipping, the RIPA regulations with regards to CCT monitoring, and regulations in relation to land ownership and responsibility for dealing with fly-tipping on private land.

It was noted that the Council monitor hotspot locations (proactive enforcement), as well as investigating complaints received (reactive enforcement). It was noted that 375 incidents of fly-tipping were logged in 2020-2021 and that 106 incidents have been logged so far this year (from 1 April to 18^th August 2021). In 2020-2021, 2 fixed penalty notices were issued resulting from proactive enforcement, with none following reactive enforcement, a reduction on previous years.  One caution was issued in 2020-2021 due to proactive enforcement.

The report also outlines partnership working with ‘Keep Wales Tidy’, Caru Ceredigion as well as adjacent local Authorities

The following questions had been raised by Members:

·         Members noted that concerns regarding fly-tipping have been raised via CLIC, however there has been a lack of response. They also asked that a copy of the matrix which outlines where the responsibility sits is shared with all Councillors.  Officers noted that they would look into the matter and provide copies of the matrix.

·         Members asked whether CCTV cameras could be placed on trunk roads and private land.  Officers confirmed that there are no retrictions, subject to agreement with the land owner.

·         Members asked whether greater use of technology could be made to monitor refuse left alongside skips, or if skips could be provided which have a side-opening as opposed to having to throw items over the top.

·         Members noted that the Highways and Environmental Services will not remove fly-tipping until a member of the Public Protection team has inspected the content, and asked if the items could be relocated to Penrhos or Glanyrafon to be inspected. Officers noted that they are currently working with the Highways and Environmental Services team to review concerns such as the early presentation of waste, and that they will raise this matter with them.

·         Members suggested that the Public Protection Team publicise information relating to fixed penalty notices in order educate and enhance greater awareness of this. Officer noted that they would look into this.

·         Members suggested that the report is shared with Town and Community Councils, in order that they can contribute

·         Members noted that several complaints are received in relation to lack of bins, however a lot of take-away businesses now use cardboard which fills the bins quicker than paper, asking whether anything could be done with regards to approaching businesses to supply their own bins.  Officer noted that a ‘Keep Wales Tidy’ coordinator had been appointed recently and that they would ask her to share this message with other officers thourghout Wales for consideration as a project.

Following questions by the Members of the Committee it was agreed to note the contents of the report.