The Cabinet Member for Environment and Rural Affairs presented the report which sought to increase the Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) for litter, graffiti and flyposting.  He advised that when FPNs were introduced 2 years previously, the maximum level of £80 was set, but recent legislation had now allowed for raised levels to be set.  He proposed an amendment to the recommendation in the penalty (amendment in bold):

“To increase the Fixed Penalty Notice for litter, graffiti and fly posting to £150 from 1 July 2018.”

This was seconded by Councillor Andy Booth who reserved his right to speak.

In the debate that followed, Members welcomed the increase.  A Member said that the increase would act as a deterrent, and suggested that a common sense approach to issuing penalty notices was required to avoid any unfair penalties to easy targets.  Another Member highlighted that the Scrutiny Committee had suggested raising the level previously.

Councillor Andy Booth, as seconder of the amendment, drew attention to the increase in numbers of fly posting on the Isle of Sheppey and the waste and excrement left behind by some HGV drivers in the Borough, and urged strong action.

The amendment to the recommendation was put to the vote and voting was as follows:

For:  Councillors Sarah Aldridge, Mike Baldock, Cameron Beart, George Bobbin, Monique Bonney, Andy Booth, Tina Booth, Lloyd Bowen, Bowles, Derek Conway, Mike Cosgrove, Adrian Crowther, Richard Darby, Mark Ellen, Mike Dendor, Duncan Dewar-Whalley, Paul Fleming, June Garrad, Sue Gent, James Hall, Nicholas Hampshire, Harrison, Mike Henderson, Alan Horton, James Hunt, Ken Ingleton, Nigel Kay, Samuel Koffie-Williams, Gerry Lewin, Peter Marchington, Padmini Nissanga, Prescott, Ken Pugh, George Samuel, David Simmons, Ben Stokes, Lynd Taylor, Anita Walker, Ghlin Whelan, Mike Whiting, Ted Wilcox, Tony Winckless, and John Wright. Total = 43.

Against: 0

Abstained: 0

Councillor Roger Truelove had left the room and did not vote on the amendment.

The Mayor announced that the amendment was agreed.

Councillor Mark Ellen proposed a further amendment:

“Payment of a Fixed Penalty Notice to be reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days of the penalty. “

This amendment was seconded by Councillor Harrison.

In the debate that followed, the Cabinet Member for Environment and Rural Affairs explained the difficulties in offering discounts for early payments.  The Cabinet Member for Housing and Safer Communities added that the administration of discounts increased the costs. A Member suggested the reasons behind the additional costs for administration could be looked into.

The Leader agreed with a Member that dropping litter was a crime and payment penalties should not be made easier.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 19(5), a recorded vote was take and voting was as follows:

For: Councillors Mark Ellen, Paul Fleming, Harrison, Mike Henderson, Roger Truelove, Ghlin Whelan and Tony Winckless Total = 7.

Against: Councillors Sarah Aldridge, Mike Baldock, Cameron Beart, George Bobbin, Monique Bonney, Andy Booth, Tina Booth, Lloyd Bowen, Andrew Bowles, Derek Conway, Mike Cosgrove, Adrian Crowther, Richard Darby, Mike Dendor, Duncan Dewar-Whalley, June Garrad, Sue Gent, James Hall, Nicholas Hampshire, Alan Horton, James Hunt, Ken Ingleton, Nigel Kay, Samuel Koffie-Williams, Gerry Lewin, Peter Marchington, Padmini Nissanga, Prescott, Ken Pugh, George Samuel, David Simmons, Ben Stokes, Lynd Taylor, Anita Walker, Mike Whiting, Ted Wilcox and John Wright. Total = 37

Abstained: 0

The Mayor announced that the amendment was lost.

The Cabinet Member for Environment and Rural Affairs proposed and Councillor Andy Booth seconded the original, amended recommendation. 

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 19(5), a recorded vote was taken and voting was as follows:

For:  Councillors Sarah Aldridge, Mike Baldock, Cameron Beart, George Bobbin, Monique Bonney, Andy Booth, Tina Booth, Lloyd Bowen, Bowles, Derek Conway, Mike Cosgrove, Adrian Crowther, Richard Darby, Mark Ellen, Mike Dendor, Duncan Dewar-Whalley, Paul Fleming, June Garrad, Sue Gent, James Hall, Nicholas Hampshire, Harrison, Mike Henderson, Alan Horton, James Hunt, Ken Ingleton, Nigel Kay, Samuel Koffie-Williams, Gerry Lewin, Peter Marchington, Padmini Nissanga, Prescott, Ken Pugh, George Samuel, David Simmons, Ben Stokes, Lynd Taylor, Roger Truelove, Anita Walker, Ghlin Whelan, Mike Whiting, Ted Wilcox, Tony Winckless and John Wright Total = 44

Against:  0

Abstained: 0

The Mayor announced that the amended recommendation was agreed.

Resolved:

(1) To increase the Fixed Penalty Notice for litter, graffiti and fly posting to £150 from 1 July 2018.