Issue - meetings

Report ES14027

Arrangements had been made with Ward Security to continue delivering a littering enforcement service, concurrent with the existing Parks Security service, from 1st January 2015 to 31st March 2020 at net zero cost to L B Bromley. The existing parks security contract would need to be extended and varied.

It was intended to deliver the service on a seasonal basis around peak hours and events, with a focus on the busiest days at town centres. It was proposed to operate the service from a Tuesday to Saturday, capturing market days and rush hours. Two full time Enforcement Officers would work in conjunction with the Parks Security Contract to increase coverage, particularly in winter months when parks are not so busy. The team would also be supplemented in peak seasonal times with two additional officers for 72 days of the year.

The average cost of the service per month was estimated at £10,750, inclusive of administrative support and management supervision, and would be paid to Ward Security monthly in arrears. Ward Security would invoice L B Bromley for the hours worked;  in return L B Bromley would retain income received from FPNs paid. Should the level of income received not equal the cost of labour paid to Ward Security, Ward Security would then provide a credit note to LBB for the difference. 

It was also possible to link the processing of FPNs with the parking enforcement system. This would result in Ward Security being able to reduce current supervision and administration costs. Use of electronic handheld devices from existing parking equipment stock would greatly improve the reconciliation process and accuracy of data. A one-off £2k set up cost for four hand held devices would be necessary along with on-going costs of £2.2k for year 1 and £1k per annum from year 2 onwards for licences and stationery. Ward Security would meet these costs from year 2 onwards. L B Bromley would continue to take non- paying offenders through the court process.

Ward Security would also be developing an option to take over full management of the service, including collection of income and managing the court process.

Members supported the recommendation to the Portfolio Holder. It was possible to have a break clause in the contract and to be flexible on this.

It was hoped that Enforcement Officers would not over penalise offenders for accidentally dropping litter. Enforcement officers would generally be in uniform to make a challenge but this might not always be the case e.g. challenging for dog fouling offences. Enforcement Officers would also wear body cameras. 

RESOLVED that the Environment Portfolio Holder be recommended to approve a variation and extension to the existing Parks Security Contract to include the issuing of Fixed Penalty Notices where individuals are in breach of the requirements of the Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act, including offences for littering and dog fouling on the public Highway.