Epsom & Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) has launched a four-week consultation into its draft Compliance and Enforcement Policy.

All local authorities have an enforcement policy, which covers a variety of areas including: public health, public safety, environmental enforcement, housing, food safety, parking controls, workplace safety, and antisocial behaviour.

EEBC last considered its policy 10 years ago and the purpose of this consultation is to gather a wide range views from residents, visitors and businesses on a revised version. The proposed revisions update the policy to reflect the different tools available and changes at the council since it was last reviewed.

Proposed updates include:

• Renaming the policy “Compliance and Enforcement Policy” to reflect the fact that enforcement can take many forms from a verbal instruction up to and including a formal prohibition or injunction.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
• Enhancements around the use of anti-social behaviour tools which have arisen since the creation of the current version.
• Clearer statements concerning the policy around cost recovery, where it is permitted.
• Developing of policy around the issuing of fixed penalties and civil sanctions as an alternative to prosecution for certain offences.
• The approach to rent repayment orders, which were introduced after the current policy.
• Some consequential amendments to reflect the change in senior staff structure.

Councillor Neil Dallen, Chair of Strategy and Resources, said,  

“The updated policy will continue to ensure that the council’s guidelines and procedures for enforcement are clear, transparent, and fair. It will also ensure that residents and businesses are compliant with laws and regulations that safeguard public health, safety and our local environment.” 

The consultation can be viewed at www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/council/consultations and feedback will be welcomed and receive until 11.59pm on Sunday 9 March.