Enforcement work in the Canterbury district to tackle a range of environmental offences such as littering is to be carried out by a new private company.
Following a formal procurement process, Canterbury City Council has selected National Enforcement Solutions (NES). An initial 12 month contract, with an option to extend for a further year, started on Tuesday 3 May.
The procurement followed a trial scheme using Kingdom LA Support, which started in August 2021. At a Community Committee meeting last November, councillors agreed to go out to tender to secure a contractor for this work on the basis that there was no cost to the council.
Four companies bid for the contract and NES scored highest, in particular providing statistical evidence to support their operating model and working procedures. The company already has similar contracts at Basildon and Brentwood Councils.
As part of the tendering process, the city council took up references with other local authorities that are using NES, and received positive feedback.
Their work in Canterbury will cover enforcement on litter, litter thrown from vehicles, dog fouling and offences committed under the council’s Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs).
This work to help keep the district safe and clean will be carried out at no cost to the council. Under the terms of the contract, it will take 30 per cent of the income from all the fixed penalty notices, with NES taking the remainder.
NES has also committed to a number of environmental initiatives, including handing out portable ashtrays and dog bags, school education projects such as poster campaigns, and sponsored litter picks.
Lead councillor for enforcement, Cllr Ashley Clark, said: “Good enforcement is the key to public confidence and we are pleased to have NES on board. In the past, offences relating to litter, dog fouling and Public Space Protection Orders did not get the attention that the law abiding public expected and our district suffered.
“This is no longer the case and we will be directing these officers to problem areas. This means that our dedicated environmental enforcement staff can concentrate on more serious matters like flytipping that may need deeper investigation.
“For those who complain about these fines, our advice is simple. They are entirely avoidable – just stick to the rules and it won’t cost you a penny.”
Operations Director at National Enforcement Solutions, Eoin Henney, said: “We are delighted to have been selected by Canterbury City Council to carry out environmental crime enforcement on their behalf.
“NES work nationally across the UK to tackle these types of offences. Our aim is to work alongside Canterbury to ensure the area is kept clean and tidy. We have a number of educational campaigns as well as delivering positive enforcement to create awareness to the community.
“Both parties are keen to work together for the same aims and objectives and we are very excited for the next 12 months working in partnership with the council.”