Issue - decisions

            RESOLVED

(i)         That the contents of the report be noted and the Environmental Offences Enforcement Policy (‘the Enforcement Policy’) be approved.

(ii)        That authority be granted for the adoption by the Council of all relevant enforcement powers contained in the Enforcement Policy.

REASONS

The Council requires an enforcement policy to ensure that Authorised officers can investigate environmental crimes and undertake the appropriate enforcement action where subsequent evidence proves that an environmental offence has taken place.

In addition the policy outlines:

·         Standards: the principles that will be used

·         Openness: clear and open provision of information

·         Helpfulness: helping by advising on and assisting with compliance

·         Complaints about the service: having a clear complaints procedure

·         Proportionality: ensuring that enforcement action is proportionate to the risks involved in the process

·         Consistency: ensuring consistent enforcement practice