The Strategic Director, Place will present a report (Document “J”) which reviews all the available data in respect of fly tipping within the district and includes comparisons with other key comparator authorities as well as national trends.  The report also provides an update from the Environmental Enforcement Team in relation to fly tipping and waste.

Members are asked to consider the update in respect of fly tipping in the Bradford district and the actions taken to address the problem.

Recommended –

That a further report be submitted to the Committee within twelve months.

                                                            (Damian Fisher – 01274 437146)

                                                            (Stuart Russo – 01274 437146)

                                                            (Amjad Ishaq – 01274 431066)

The Strategic Director, Place will present a report (Document “J”) which reviewed all the available data in respect of fly tipping within the district and included comparisons with other key comparator authorities as well as national trends.  The report also provides an update from the Environmental Enforcement Team in relation to fly tipping and waste.

He responded to questions as follows:

·         In respect of the potential for the cessation of the requirement for a permit to use the waste disposal sites or a reduction in cost of a traders permit; over a period of 20 years the authority had progressed from having no specific policy on waste to the present position and the evidence suggested that the situation on the district’s streets had improved. Some of the existing issues may well relate to elements of the policy but the removal of these provisions would have a significant impact requiring an addition of approximately £4 million to the waste budget whereas clearance and enforcement of fly tipping cost in the region of £600,000.

·         The department did focus on education and influencing behaviour and recent initiatives had been undertaken targeted towards landlords. A system of Community Protection Notices was now being rolled out and a scheme was being developed to ensure that properties had a bin and that tenants were properly informed about recycling.

·         High levels of evidence were needed to pursue prosecution but this would be done where possible; such cases could take 8 to 9 months to get to court.

·         The Council’s charges for bulky waste disposal were lower than a number of other local authorities with a charge of £15 for up to 5 items. Since its introduction the tonnage collected had decreased by approximately 8% but the number of requests had gone down by 50% which suggested that people were waiting to dispose of more items at the same time.

·         In terms of sanctions and deterrents officers did work closely with the Press Office and the media to publicise enforcement activity.

·         For those residents for whom English was not their first language leaflets were available that visually explained recycling. Recycling advisors were not able to provide information in other languages although this was an area that should perhaps be looked at.

·         85% of all reports of fly tipping were within the 3 Bradford constituencies. There was a correlation with levels of deprivation and the level of private rented accommodation. A two person crew focused on each area and would generally attend either on the same day or the following day. Each ward shared a Clean Team; more resources were available for Bradford wards.

·         There were some challenges in respect of education within schools due to issues caused by academisation and the narrower focus of the national curriculum which meant that there was less focus on citizenship issues.

·         The authority was comparable with other (similar) local authorities in terms of fly tipping.

The Portfolio Holder – Healthy People and Places was in attendance and commented that:

·         A balance was sought between potential barriers or disincentives to proper disposal and the need to enforce responsible behaviour. Ultimately the Council the disposal of waste was paid for by all the district’s Council Tax payers. There was a disposal scheme for bulky waste and permits available for disposal sites within the district. There would be an additional cost if waste was disposed of outside the authority that was not affordable. A number of policies were in place to try and reduce the levels of waste generated and to influence behaviour.

Members commented that:

·         It was recognised that there was a lot of good work being undertaken in the district to address this problem.

·         It was not satisfactory to see Bradford East wards at the top of the list. It was known that a lot of effort had been made to address the issues and it was sad that the 98% of people not responsible for the fly tipping had to live with it. It was believed that the level of high turnover private rented housing could be a contributory factor.

·         In certain areas repeated fly tipping took place and this was difficult to address, work should be undertaken on this issue. Overall it appeared that the message was getting through but it was considered that a lot more education was needed in respect of recycling.

·         There were issues in respect of access to the disposal sites for people who owned or used commercial type vehicles; this should be looked at.

·         Businesses and residents should be encouraged to put their bins away rather than leaving them out on the highway.

·         Access should perhaps be made easier but transgressions not tolerated.

·         It would be useful for Ward Councillors to receive the information submitted to Ward Officer Team meetings in relation to fly tipping data.

The Assistant Director commented that, in relation to business waste, the van permit system had reduced waste by approximately 10,000 tonnes which equated to a £1 million bill so although it may be possible to consider smarter ways of working or allow more discretion the authority had to be careful that this did not have negative impact.

Resolved –

(1)       That the Assistant Director - Neighbourhood and Customer Services be requested to submit a progress  report to the Committee in twelve months time.

(2)       That the Assistant Director - Waste, Fleet and Transport Services be requested to submit a report to the November meeting of the Committee in respect of Waste Management.

ACTION:       Assistant Director - Neighbourhood and Customer Services

Assistant Director - Waste, Fleet and Transport Services

                        Scrutiny Lead