This week, the Chichester District Council held two key meetings: the Public Facing Environment Panel on Monday 24 June 2024, and the Grants and Concessions Panel on Wednesday 26 June 2024. Here is a summary of the discussions and decisions made in these meetings.

Public Facing Environment Panel

Environmental Enforcement

The Environment Panel discussed various environmental enforcement functions, including issuing Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs). They agreed to recommend raising the FPN charge for littering and Public Space Protection Order Dog Control offences to £150. This decision follows the cessation of East Hants District Council's commercial environmental enforcement service.

Councillor Todhunter and Councillor Hobbs supported the proposal, highlighting the need for intervention to tackle dog fouling and the benefits of a 7-day service. Councillor Young sought clarity on the definition of littering, to which Mr Ballard, Senior Environmental Protection Officer, responded that the council adopts a zero-tolerance approach.

Ms Stevens, Divisional Manager for Environmental Protection, explained that the fines' amounts are proportional to the offences' severity and align with other local authorities. She emphasised the importance of public support for enforcement measures. Councillor Desai stressed the need for educational campaigns, which Mr Ballard confirmed are already in place in some schools. The council also runs the Adopt an Area scheme for community engagement.

The Panel resolved to recommend the new tender process for an external provider for environmental enforcement and the increase in FPN charges to the Cabinet.

Environment Panel Workplan

The Panel noted the workplan for the coming year.

End of Solar Together

The Panel reviewed a report on the end of the Solar Together scheme, which helps residents install solar panels. Administered by iChoosr, the scheme completed 74 installations in the Chichester District, generating 370 kWp¹ of energy.

Grants and Concessions Panel

UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund

The Panel considered 44 applications for funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Rural England Prosperity Fund. These funds aim to reduce regional inequality and support rural areas.

Out of these, 26 applications were approved, totalling £575,962. However, several notable applications were rejected, including:

• Arun and Rother Rivers Trust: Rejected due to concerns about the project's location and context.
• Chichester Cathedral Trust: Rejected due to the high cost of making the Cathedral fully accessible.
• Chichester City Arts Centre: Rejected as the proposed improvements would not increase visitor numbers.

Concessionary Grant Application - Fernhurst Hub

The Panel approved a rent subsidy application from the Fernhurst Hub, supporting its continued operation.

Discretionary Rate Relief Application - Byrne Family Foundation

An application for discretionary rate relief from the Byrne Family Foundation was rejected. Councillor Bangert noted that the applicant did not demonstrate financial hardship or exceptional circumstances.

These meetings highlight the council's ongoing efforts to manage environmental issues and support local organisations through grants and subsidies.