Agenda item

Recommendation:

To consider and comment on the attached document on the need for a new approach to Graffiti Clearance in the District. 

(District Council) Epping Forest District Council introduced a graffiti policy in 2000 with the aim of removing of all graffiti reported by residents, staff and members. Unfortunately this has created a limitless demand, which as a consequence has proved very difficult to match with available funding.

Consequently, the Town and Parish Councils are being consulted on a change of approach. The Council is in the middle of reviewing its policy to restrict removal work to property owned by the Council. A draft copy of the document is attached. The meeting is asked to give their views on this document.

The Head of Research and Democratic Services presented a report concerning Graffiti Clearance in the District. He reported that in 2000, the District Council introduced a graffiti policy, with the aim of removal of all graffiti reported by residents. Unfortunately this policy had created a limitless demand  and significant supplementary estimates with an overspend in 2006/07 to ensure the continuation of the service. This shortfall had arisen from a well meaning attempt to remove all graffiti wherever it occurred.

As a result the Council was in the process of reviewing the policy to restrict removal work to property owned by EFDC; graffiti on any other building considered offensive and cases of hardship. A copy of this draft was before Members.

The Head of Research and Democratic Services reported that, at its meeting on 11 June 2007, the Cabinet supported the changes subject to any changes suggested at this meeting. The Portfolio Holder was unable to attend this meeting but had undertaken a considerable amount of work with the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership to facilitate the service. In terms of next steps, he advised of the proposal to give Local Authorities new powers to deal with the problem and alternatives ways of delivering the service to make it more cost effective. The new approach was not about saving costs but about targeting effort.

Local Representatives expressed disappointment at the decision to limit the policy but expressed sympathy with the reasons behind the decision.  It was asked whether additional funding would be made available to Local Councils to ensure the continuation of their existing service and commitments over the rest of  the financial  year. There was a need for one central point of contact for reporting graffiti. Would the District extend its graffiti service to help Local Councils clear graffiti on their buildings and undertake action to clear graffiti on private properties? The Head of Research and Democratic Services said that information could be made available on the financial implications of the new policy

Reference was made to Graffiti Removal Notices. The Head of Environmental Services clarified that the new Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 made available these powers. He also reported that Local Authorities must explore all other available solutions prior to taking such action and, in so doing,  form partnerships with other public and private sector organisations. The District Council Environmental and Planning Scrutiny Panel would be looking at how the Council should implement the new enforcement measures in the Act. Reference was made to two initiatives, the proceeds of which would provide additional funding for the service in additional to the budget.

It was reported that Theydon Bois Parish Council had established its own scheme for clearance. The Portfolio Holder would welcome new ideas for improving the service. The Head of Research and Democratic Services also reported on a number of new ideas which might benefit Local Councils.

It was suggested that the details of a central purchase scheme for clearance materials could be made available to Local Members. In relation to preventative measures it was noted that the action to set up a District Youth Parliament should help to educate young people about graffiti problems;

A Member stated that a coherent policy was required to deal with anything that detracted from the street scene namely (illegal posters/adverts).  A Member stressed that the penalties for carrying out graffiti be better publicised. Articles would be placed in the press on this. 

RESOLVED:

(1)            That the attached policy and procedural arrangements be approved;

(2)            That steps be taken to publicise the policy including the penalties for offenders; and

(3)            That the details of a central purchase scheme for Graffiti clearance materials be reviewed