New penalty levels for littering, graffiti, fly-posting and unauthorised distribution of free literature on designated land had recently been introduced by the Government with effect from 1st April 2018, with discretionary levels that could be set by local authorities.

The Community Safety Accredited Officers would have powers to issue these penalties. 

The report set out the new levels of these fixed penalty notices and summarises the powers available to authorised officers to issue penalties.

A motion was MOVED by Cllr Parker and SECONDED by Cllr Bridge to approve the recommendations in the report.

A vote was taken by a show of hands and it was RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY that:

1.    Members approve the new recommended maximum penalty levels set out at 4.5 of the report. 

2.    Members to approve the additional discount levels for early  payment also contained in Table 4.5 of the report.

3.    Members agree to delegate authority to the Chief Executive, Director of Operations, the General Manager Corporate Enforcement and to such officers of the Council that are nominated by any of them to issue Fixed Penalty Notices under the relevant legislation.

Reasons for Recommendation

New penalty levels were recommended at the maximum levels in order to  reflect the Council’s intention to ensure that enforcement action was effective; most of these penalties were offered as an alternative to prosecution and should therefore reflect the serious nature of the offence.