The Executive of Surrey Heath Council met on Tuesday 18 June 2024 to discuss a range of issues, including the impact of fly-tipping, the allocation of funds for local community projects, and the revision of fixed penalty notices for environmental crimes. Decisions were made on several key topics, including the approval of funding for park benches in Heatherside Ward and the replacement of parking service vehicles with electric vans.

Fly-Tipping and Littering

Councillor Morgan Rise, the Net Zero, Environment & Leisure Portfolio Holder, addressed a question from Sarah Kingsley regarding the significant impact of fly-tipping and littering on the local environment. He emphasised the importance of effective enforcement on waste carriers and households. Councillor Rise outlined the Council’s plans to tackle this issue, which include stricter enforcement measures and community awareness campaigns.

Local Community Project Fund Bids

The Executive considered an application for the Local Community Improvement Fund, which pools Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contributions for non-parished wards. The fund allows communities to bid for small-scale local capital projects. The Executive resolved to award £5,000 to Heatherside Ward for new park benches, a memorial bench, a plaque, and 'Tommy Statues'. This decision will be recommended to Full Council for inclusion in the Council's Capital Programme.

Review of Fixed Penalty Notices

The Executive reviewed the revised fixed penalty notice (FPN) levels for environmental crimes, which came into effect under The Environmental Offences (Fixed Penalties) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2023. The new FPN levels are as follows:

• Fly-tipping: £1,000 (discounted to £800 for early payment)
• Littering: £150 (discounted to £75 for early payment)
• Householder waste duty of care: £600 (discounted to £500 for early payment)
• Graffiti: £500 (discounted to £300 for early payment)
• Flyposting: £150 (discounted to £75 for early payment)

The Executive resolved to adopt these changes and extend the payment period to 28 days.

Replacement Parking Vehicles

The Executive approved the replacement of two car park service vehicles with electric vans. One vehicle had been scrapped, and the other was nearing the end of its serviceable life. The proposal includes installing a dedicated charging point at Main Square Car Park. The Executive recommended to Full Council a budget not exceeding £22,000 for the purchase of one electric vehicle and the installation of two charging points.

Executive Working Groups 2024/25

The Executive established several working groups for the 2024/25 municipal year, aligning them with the portfolios. The working groups include:

• Homes, Planning & Enforcement Working Group
• Net Zero, Environment & Leisure Working Group
• Property & Economic Development Working Group
• Regeneration Working Group
• Resident Services & Communities Working Group

The terms of reference and the allocation of seats for each working group were agreed upon.

Appointments to Outside Bodies 2024/25

The Executive made appointments to various outside bodies for the 2024/25 municipal year. Notable appointments include Councillor Leanne MacIntyre as the Armed Forces Champion and Councillor Morgan Rise as the Basingstoke Canal Authority Liaison Representative. The Executive also noted the removal of the Basingstoke Canal Joint Management Committee and the Briars Centre from the list of organisations to which the Council appoints representatives.

Surrey Leaders' Group Outside Bodies

The Executive endorsed nominations to Surrey Leaders’ Group Outside Bodies, including Councillor Victoria Wheeler for the Adults and Health Select Committee and Councillor Shaun Macdonald for the Surrey & Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

Procurement of M&E Contract - The Square

The Executive delegated authority to the Head of Property & Economic Development to enter into a contract for the maintenance of mechanical and electrical systems at The Square, Camberley.

For more details, you can refer to the Minutes of the Previous Meeting and the Public Question Time documents.