Published on Thursday 25 March 2021
Councillors will be asked for approval of plans to create a harmonised approach for supporting residents and businesses - and the undertaking of enforcement activity where needed - across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. The new proposals are within the Regulatory Services and Licensing Team Policy which will be discussed at the next cabinet meeting on 14 April.
BCP Council is currently working to three separate enforcement policies across the conurbation which were in place for the legacy councils. This new policy seeks to provide one policy for BCP Council to ensure that all residents and businesses are provided with the same approach and that enforcement issues are targeted only at cases where action is needed. The policy also helps both business and individuals to understand the methods used when responding to a breach of legislation. The teams are responsible for a wide range of public services, including Trading Standards, food hygiene, licensing, COVID-19 compliance, animal welfare and food poisoning.
Councillor May Haines, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, BCP Council said:
"The aim of this new policy is to support all our residents and businesses by adopting the same methodology across the BCP Council area, and therefore being transparent and open in our approach. The aim of any enforcement activity is to protect the safety, well-being, as well as the environment of all those who live, work and visit the area by ensuring that businesses and individuals comply with the relevant legislation and Codes of Practice."
The Regulatory Services and Licensing Enforcement Policy will be discussed at the next Overview & Scrutiny Committee on 1 April 2021 before being presented to cabinet.