URL: https://committeeadmin.lancaster.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1564

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: (Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Maddocks)   Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer, Environment and Place to review and approve a revised Corporate Enforcement Policy in order to take account of updated guidance, codes of practice and new regulatory sanctions which have been introduced since the Council’s Enforcement Policy was last reviewed in 2013.   The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:     Option 1: Approve the proposed Policy Option 2: Do not approve the proposed policy Advantages The Council will have an up to date policy. None identified. Disadvantages None identified The Council’s existing policy will remain out of date. Risks None identified The Council would be open to challenge when undertaking enforcement.     The officer preferred option is Option1 to approve the proposed policy.  Once this policy has been adopted, Council services will be able to start developing and/or amending their own specific policies for enforcement in their areas which reflect the principles set out in this overarching policy.   Councillor Maddocks proposed, seconded by Councillor Tyldesley:-   “That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved with a revision to the wording in 7.1 with the removal of ‘officers’ replaced with ‘processes and procedures’ so the paragraph would now read ‘Complaints about the conduct of processes and procedures should be made via the Council’s corporate complaints procedure.”   Councillors then voted on the revised proposition:-   Resolved unanimously:   (1)             That the draft Enforcement Policy be approved and adopted following a revision to the wording of the second paragraph in 7.1 which would now read ‘Complaints about the conduct of processes and procedures should be made via the Council’s corporate complaints procedure.’   (2)              That the contents of the report noted.     Officer responsible for effecting the decision:   Chief Officer Environment and Place   Reasons for making the decision:   The decision is consistent with the Council Plan.  The enforcement policy helps the Council achieve its broader strategic goals relating to areas such as sustainable development, community safety and environmental protection. By setting out how we address breaches of regulations we will create a fair and equitable environment for residents and businesses.

Date of Decision: April 15, 2025