Cabinet to consider Waste Enforcement Pilot Review
Cabinet is set to consider the outcomes and next steps of the council’s waste enforcement pilot review on the 5 August.
The council has concluded its pilot programme with District Enforcement Limited (DEL) to tackle fly-tipping and littering across the borough.
Launched in September 2024, the initiative focused on education, community engagement, and enforcement to reduce waste-related offences, such as littering, fly-tipping and not responsibly managing waste from businesses.
During the pilot, DEL appointed three enforcement officers to undertake daily, borough-wide patrols, resulting in notices and Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) being issued, and cases being prepared for prosecution for waste offences. In addition, DEL participated in several community events, such as litter picks, to help raise awareness of the impacts of littering and fly-tipping.
The pilot was run at zero financial cost to the Council, under a revenue-sharing model for paid FPNs and enforcement officers were not incentivised to issue FPNs.
The review acknowledges several challenges during the pilot, including recruitment and retention issues of enforcement officers employed by District Enforcement. Whilst there is support from the community for the council to act against littering and fly-tipping, some cases were highlighted in the media and some FPNs were cancelled or substituted to a different offence, following representations made.
However, the review also highlights that continued enforcement remains essential to meet the council’s priorities.
The existing agreement with DEL has now been terminated, and as part of the review, Cabinet will consider a recommendation to engage with a new enforcement partner for a further 12-month pilot.
Councillor Sandreni Bonfante, Executive Member Environment said:
“Residents have told us that fly-tipping and littering are important issues for them. Using the lessons learned from this pilot, we are proud to be taking the next step in our mission to tackle fly-tipping and littering in Welwyn Hatfield. With a new contractor, we look to deliver robust enforcement and make lasting improvements that will benefit everyone in the borough. By tackling these issues, we hope to help create cleaner, safer communities to be proud of.”
WHBC’s Cabinet will consider the report on the waste enforcement pilot and its recommendation when it meets on 5 August.