To consider the submitted draft scoping document for review and consider the recommendations at the end of the attached document – Amanda Coote.

Councillor Kennedy welcomed everyone to the first meeting of the Task and Finish for Enforcement in Torbay.

The Governance Support Team Leader presented the scope, feedback and findings document which was circulated with the agenda. 

Resolved:

The Panel agreed:

(i)         the scope of the review;

(ii)        the timetable/milestones for the review meetings to meet monthly;

(iii)       the submission of the final report to the Overview and Scrutiny Board on completion of the final Task and Finish meeting; and

(iv)       confirmed the report would be presented to the next available Cabinet Meeting after being presented to the Overview and Scrutiny Board.

To receive an update on the Enforcement Agency and areas which fall under the Council’s responsibility – Rob Kelly

Mr Rob Kelly gave an update the current and proposed Enforcement Agency work.  Members were advised offences such as dog offences, graffiti, fly posting and waste relied on individuals seeing offence and reporting to the appropriate department.  Members were informed the new arrangements would initially be place for two years with further option to extend for two years.

It was noted the new scheme should be cost neutral, with any proceeds returned to the Council, however performance targets wouldn’t be set to ensure the new Strategy would be delivered in a fair and consistent manner.

Application of local and the Enforcement Agency regulations was discussed in respect of residents and visitors to the bay together with Covid restrictions.  Members noted the start date for the new Enforcement Agency would be 2 February 2021.

To receive a verbal update on enforcement in this Council department – Neil Coish

This item was deferred to a future meeting.

To receive a verbal update on enforcement in this Council department – Dave Parsons

Mr Dave Parsons updated members on dog related offences within in Torbay.  Members were advised that there was one dog warden for the Torbay area and approximately 17 Fixed Penalty Notices had been issued, at £75 per fine which most had been paid in full. If this penalty would cause hardship a payment scheme could be put into place.  The contracted hours for the dog warden and public signage/public orders was discussed to enable effective enforcement. Don’t know if harbour authority can enforce.  

Resolved: 

(i)         The Council reviews the PSPO and Bylaws, including a review of signage, around Torbay in consultation with the Harbour Authority;

(ii)        Promote the public to report dog fouling not being cleared (applicable to over 18’s);

(iii)       Microchip and identifying owner of dog but not heard of this re micro chipping Action - Devise a method to report offences online; and

(iv)       Review the duties undertaken by the dog warden and how to create capacity in their roles.  Consider how SWISCo could assist with this.