URL: https://rother.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1728

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To approve the procurement of a concessionary agreement for the enforcement of environmental offences from 2025 to 2030

Content: The Council’s current three-year concessionary agreement with National Enforcement Solutions Ltd (NES) was due to expire in July 2025 and authority was being sought to procure and enter into a new 5-year concessionary agreement for the period 2025-30.     NES Officers patrolled the district and issued fixed penalty notices (FPNs) in respect of environmental offences, most commonly that of littering of cigarette butts.  Under the present agreement, 30% of FPN income was received by the Council which was used to pay for the removal of graffiti and waste.  If the Council did not employ an enforcement company, then very limited enforcement would take place and the condition of the streets was likely to deteriorate.  The Council would be unable to provide this service in-house without significant financial investment in employment and IT, which was not a viable option at the current time.   Members had noted a marked improvement in the cleanliness of streets, particularly within Bexhill, due to the existing contract and thanked the officers and current contractors.  It was noted that the number of FPNs issued for fly-tipping, which was mostly at recycling centres, had reduced as behavioural change had been brought about by the issuing of FPNs.     Cabinet agreed that the protection of the district’s environment was enhanced by carrying out effective enforcement against all forms of pollution and agreed that a new concessionary agreement be sought.  It was noted that the East Sussex Procurement Hub would advise on an appropriate termination clause (currently three months) as a result of any potential local government reorganisation.     RESOLVED: That the Deputy Chief Executive be authorised to procure, and enter into, a concessionary agreement, as a closed quote with selected providers, or using a framework agreement, for the enforcement of environmental offences from 2025 to 2030.   (Councillor Timpe declared an Other Registerable Interest as a Member of Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council and in accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct remained in the meeting for the consideration thereof.)  

Date of Decision: January 6, 2025