Purpose

To receive and consider the report in relation to a policy
decision to offer a reward to members of the public for recognition
of their time and effort to support enforcement action against fly
tipping.

Decision

RESOLVED that

1.   
The introduction of a witness reward scheme,
based on the following criteria, be approved:
a.   
An offence being actually witnessed by a member
of the public. Physical evidence alone e.g. items found at the
scene would not qualify for a reward.
b.   
Rewards would only be considered if the
information provided leads to a formal enforcement result such
as:

• A Fixed Penalty Notice being paid in full by
the offender
• A
successful criminal prosecution (with or without the witness
attending)
The reward
is to provide recompense for individuals for the time they spend
assisting the authority in successful action.

2.   
authority be delegated to the Executive Director
to approve the final scheme/policy, including any relevant updates
from time to time.
 
Reasons for the decision
 
Fly tipping continues to be an issue for local
authorities in England and Wales, and some councils have adopted a
witness reward scheme to support with their investigations and act
as a deterrent. This seeks to enhance the likelihood of a witness
coming forward and offering information that could lead to a
conviction. Members of the public who fulfil their public duty and
sacrifice time, provide information, give witness statements,
attend court etc are vital to successful enforcement.
 
Alternative Options Considered
 

1.   
Do nothing – continue with current
investigation techniques without a reward scheme to encourage
witnesses to come forward.

2.   
Implement a reward scheme – add a witness
reward scheme to our toolkit with a view to improving the chances
of a successful prosecution or penalty notice being served, in the
event of a fly-tip taking place in our district.