Issue - meetings

The report provides information about the new Environmental Offences (Fixed Penalties) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2023 and sets out an option for increasing Fixed Penalty Notice fines for enviro-crime offences as permitted by these Regulations.

Members considered the Review of Fixed Penalty Notice Fine Levels for Environmental Crime Offences report presented by Councillor Murphy.

Members commented as follows:

·         Councillor Seaton said although he fully supports the proposal, he does not think the new fine is enough to deter fly tipping.

·         Councillor Mrs French said that she also supports the proposal but agreed with Councillor Seaton that the fine should be greater.

·         Councillor Miscandlon commented that whilst he agrees with the proposal, he also thinks the fine should be higher although he accepts it cannot be changed currently.

·         Councillor Tierney said that he supports the proposal but the public wants to see strong action from the Council so there must be a proper deterrent. He is in support of higher fines, and they should be increased going forward.

Proposed by Councillor Murphy, seconded by Councillor Mrs French and AGREED to approve the proposed changes in fine levels as enabled by the Environmental Offences Regulations.