Agenda item

To answer questions (if any) from members of the public pursuant to Rule 10 of the Council’s Rules of Procedure (as amended by the Protocol and Procedure Rules for Remote Meetings).

Questions from members of the public must be received by 5 p.m. two clear working days prior to the day of the meeting – the deadline for this meeting is 5 p.m. on Wednesday 18 November 2020.

The Chief Executive reported there was one question from a member of the public.

Question asked by Mr Darron Abbott pursuant to paragraph 11 of the Rules of Procedure as set out in the Constitution.

“Recently Boston Borough Council publicised that since September 2019 the fact that they had issued 836 fixed penalty notices for fly tipping.

I know of one individual that has been reported for fly tipping on 5 separate occasion, one of those reports being made by a portfolio holder. These reports have been supported by evidence, I attach a letter from Christian Allen dated 5 June 2020 that confirms the actions of this individual was fly tipping but no action would be taken as it occurred during the first lockdown.

The incidents have continued and have been reported but no action has been taken. Councillor Stevens perhaps you would like to explain to everyone why Boston Borough Council are selective in issue of penalties and how do we all avail ourselves of this special treatment?”

Response by Councillor Yvonne Stevens

“Thank you for your question. The letter you refer to sets out the council’s position in June during the first lockdown, and although the Council had limited enforcement capacity, the fly swat crew continued to collect fly-tips and retained any evidence they found within these fly-tips to enable enforcement action to be taken at a later date.

The very nature of garden waste is non-hazardous and as garden waste fly-tips are highly unlikely to contain evidence of the perpetrator, the priority for the reduced team was the collection of putrescible wastes and other wastes blocking pavements for example, that were an obvious hazard to public health.

You have provided information on alleged fly-tipping of garden waste and rubble at Garfitt’s Lane, and responses have been provided to you. For clarity, these incidents have been investigated but officers have been unable to determine who had fly-tipped the garden waste. Appropriate action has been taken as far as possible.

I would ask anyone that if they have tangible evidence of a fly-tipper, such as a witness statement where the fly-tipping event has been witnessed, or car number plate, then please send that information to flyswat@boston.gov.uk and this will be acted upon. The Council has an exemplary record in both enforcement against fly-tippers and in the speed of removal of fly-tips.”

Supplemental question asked by Mr. Abbott pursuant to paragraph 11.8 of the Rules of Procedure as set out in the Constitution:-

“I thank Councillor Stephens answer. I would have been nice if she had actually answered the question herself rather than taking the officers report ( I know how this works) If she had looked into the matter herself she would know evidence had been provided and all an investigating officer would have been given by myself and her fellow cabinet member. I ask Councillor Stevens  is this a case of who you are depends on whether you get penalised?”

Response by Councillor Stevens

“Thank you for your supplementary question.  I can confirm it is not a case of who you are depends on whether you get penalised.  All reports of alleged fly tips where there is evidence are investigated.”