Agenda item

Report of Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services

The Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report (previously circulated) informing Members of the ongoing work with regard to problem back lanes and fly tipping.

The submitted report stated that improving the appearance and cleanliness of problem back lanes, reducing fly tipping and reducing the time it takes to clear away fly tips was a priority for the Council; that there had been a refocusing of resources to deliver on this priority; and that  this work was being coordinated through the Back Lanes and Fly Tipping project, with support from Street Scene, Civic Enforcement and Communications working closely together to deliver improvements. 

It was reported that Street Scene had seen significant reductions to the level of funding over the last 10 years with a loss of 40 per cent of staff due to further funding reductions in 2016 for street cleaning; that this reduction had a significant impact on the standard of cleanliness and the Council’s ability to respond to fly tipping and cleansing of back lanes; and that as part of the 2018/19 budget a Futures Fund had allocated additional resource into Street Scene and a new Community Safety Service was set up.

Details were provided on the back lanes and fly tipping project and the themes of the project were outlined; a fixed term role had been introduced within the Civic Enforcement team to focus on problem back lanes, working with Ward Members and residents and ensuring enforcement action was taken when required; and details were provided on the enforcement action taken.

Particular reference was made to the performance; members were pleased to note the significant improvements in response times to fly tips from October 2019 to October 2020.

Concern was raised in respect of dog fouling and a request was made for the number of prosecutions for dog fouling for the previous year. Members were assured that there was a good network of bins across the borough, with roughly 800 litter bins; an interactive map was being developed and would be available on the council’s website; that increased signage had been placed on dual waste bins; and where there was any evidence of a particular problem area additional bins would be put in place. 

Following a question in respect of the number of covert and overt cameras members were assured there was a significant network of cameras across the borough; that the six overt cameras could be moved around based on intel and need; and that a review of CCTV was to be undertaken, which would identify whether any new technology was available to improve and develop the system.

Following a question in respect of back lane gates, the Portfolio Holder for Stronger Communities advised Scrutiny that whilst other Local Authorities had trialed this with varying success, the Council was keen to explore this option further for Darlington’s back lanes.

A request was made for Members to be provided with the costs of an increase in the provision of street bins by 10 per cent; and that Members be provided with a breakdown of figures in respect of funding for Streetscene and fly tipping for the previous fifteen years.

RESOLVED – (a) That the content of the report and ongoing work that is being delivered to address issues in back lanes and fly tipping, be noted.

(b) That Members be provided with the costs of an increase in the provision of street bins by 10 per cent and that this be brought to the next Scrutiny Committee for consideration.