To receive an update from the Environmental Health Service Manager.

The Chairman welcomed David Dodds, Environmental Health Service Manager (ELDC) to provide an update on the review of the scrap metal licensing regime. 

The Environmental Health Service Manager informed Members that the Council was in the final stages of a full review of the scrap metal licensing policy and that an overhaul of the policy was needed as the current fees and charging regime was not fit for purpose.  The Environmental Health Service Manager further advised that there was a number of fixed and mobile collectors in East Lindsey.  In total there were seven approved fixed sites and ten mobile collectors and there were twelve scrap metal operators which were under investigation to ensure they were correctly licensed.  It was assured that different methodologies were being examined and work was being undertaken with the Finance and Environmental Health Teams to develop a more robust scheme which would provide full cost recovery.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

• A Member queried whether scrap metal licencing was a large issue in relation to Envirocrime.  In response, the Environmental Health Service Manager advised that activity had been increasing and peaks and troughs were expected depending on the value of scrap metal.

• A Member queried if operators were legally required to have a licence.  In response, the Environmental Health Service Manager advised that it was illegal to operate without a licence and that the Council was targeting those who were operating illegally.  The Environmental Health Service Manager advised Members that the Council was working with partner agencies who were encouraging people to think twice about operating without a licence and highlighting that a waste carriers licence could be obtained from the Environment Agency free of charge.

• A Member stated that more publicity was needed if a licence could be obtained free of charge.  In response, the Environmental Health Service Manager clarified that it was not free to obtain a scrap metal dealer licence, it was only free to obtain a waste carriers licence from the Environment Agency as many businesses needed to transport their own waste.  The Environmental Health Service Manager further advised that the scrap metal dealers licence required a fee to be charged as covered by the Scrap Metal Licencing Act and that the Council were not able to recharge for its time spent on enforcement, however it was able to charge for their time as part of the application process.

• A Member further enquired if adverts or posters on licensing requirements could be placed at recycling centres.  In response, the Environmental Health Service Manager explained that there was no opportunity to advertise at recycling centres  as mobile collectors visited licenced metal sites and not recycling sites.  Members were reassured that the Council was co-ordinating with licenced metal sites to address the issues and that all information received was acted upon, particularly in relation to those operating without a licence and advertising on social media sites.  

No further comments or questions were received.

The Chairman thanked the Environmental Health Service Manager for his informative report.