Agenda item

The Chief Executive reported there was a question from Mr. Darron Abbott. 

Question asked by Mr. Darron Abbott pursuant to paragraph 10 of the Rules of Procedure as set out in the Constitution:-

“The subject of fly tipping enforcement at the Tesco and Asda sites was discussed at scrutiny this time last year. The contract with Enfortis was up for renewal at the time, but it was agreed the renewal of the said contract would be delayed until November to allow proper scrutiny and approval by full Council.

We find ourselves a year further down the line and I can find very little on the progress of this new contract.

Councillor Evans please could you update us on the position of this contract for the enforcement at the Tesco and Asda sites and give us all a time scale for the Councils approval of this new agreement.”

Response by Councillor Deborah Evans

“The enviro-crime contract is currently being procured, with a tender submission deadline of 30 September 2022.  The submission will then be evaluated and tender awarded following the council’s contract procedure rules.

Please note that this contract is for enviro-crime in its entirely, so encompasses littering, dog fouling, fly tipping and waste duty of care offences. Once the tender has been evaluated, any award will follow the decision making processes of the council.”

Supplemental question asked by Mr. Abbott pursuant to paragraph 10.8 of the Rules of Procedure as set out in the Constitution:-

“I specifically asked about the Enfortis contract that caused so many problems, if I remember correctly this was one of the reasons the Leader sacked Councillor Stevens from the Cabinet and appointed you.

The Enfortis contract allegedly expired in the autumn of last year, I say allegedly as on the list of contracts very kindly supplied by Councillor Noble, there is no mention of a contract with Enfortis Limited or its predecessor Optimal Risk Limited.

There is also no mention of the agreements with Tesco and Asda to enforce their private land.  I therefore have to question whether to believe any formal agreement was in place.  So it is blatantly obvious that you have just simply read out what some officer has written for you without checking the contents which I find disrespectful.  If you cannot be bothered please go see the Leader, resign and let someone who can be bothered do the job.”

Response by Councillor Evans.

“I did answer the question and the information was correct. 

On the 24^th August 2021 the pilot project for use of surveillance was extended to November 2021.  Due to delays in the procurement process, and the introduction of South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership in October 2021, I signed a decision notice to extend the pilot to October 2022 to enable the procurement of a cross SELCP enviro-crime enforcement contract.  The new cross SELCP enviro-crime enforcement contract is an agreed project within the Partnership’s Annual Delivery Plan.

I am frustrated by the delays, but want to have tender process in place across the three authorities which will provide an opportunity for a high quality procurement offer.  Scrutiny will be involved in the contract process.  I will not be resigning.”