Issue - meetings

(Technical Services – Cllr P Keska) To consider the options provided for smoke control areas within the District. To also agree a preferred option enabling public consultation to take place and the Fixed Penalty Charge to be implemented.

(1)        That the Cabinet considered the options provided for smoke control areas within the district;

(2)        That the Cabinet agreed for a public consultation to take place; and

(3)        That the Cabinet agreed the Fixed Penalty Charge be implemented, which was Option 2: 1st  Offence (Warning Notice), 2nd Offence (£175.00) Subsequent Offences (£225.00) (see agenda report).

The Technical Services Portfolio Holder (Councillor P Keska) introduced the report stating that it was appropriate the Council reviewed the district’s smoke-controlled areas because they did not offer enough protection and, in conjunction with cleaner burning methods, this would help EFDC’s climate agenda. The four options set out in the report detailed the Government’s Air Quality Strategy priorities that included the reduction of pollution from domestic burning through Smoke Control Areas (SCAs) and use of cleaner fuels. This strategy clearly stated the Government’s expectation that local authorities used their powers to reduce PM2.5 and that all councils should support the delivery of national PM2.5 targets by taking action to reduce emissions from sources within their control. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee had agreed with the report and would like the opportunity to review the results from the public consultation. It was noted that enforcement would be reactive based on intelligence and complaints rather than proactive checks. On the level of fines to charge for the Fixed Penalty Notice, the Cabinet preferred the staggered approach of option 2.

In reply to Councillor Jon Whitehouse, the Portfolio Holder confirmed the Council would be consulting on all four options.

The report set out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendation and the decision.

Decision:

(1)        That the Cabinet considered the options provided for smoke control areas within the district;

(2)        That the Cabinet agreed for a public consultation to take place; and

(3)        That the Cabinet agreed the Fixed Penalty Charge be implemented, which was Option 2: 1st  Offence (Warning Notice), 2nd Offence (£175.00) Subsequent Offences (£225.00) (see agenda report).