Issue - meetings

Report of Public Protection Manager

Purpose of report

To seek approval for the adoption of a joint Scrap Metal Licensing Policy. The policy which will be subject to consultation, will be applied by authorised officers when determining applications for all scrap related licences and subsequently enforcing the provisions of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013.

Recommendations

The Executive is recommended:

1.1       To note that functions and powers pursuant to the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 are an executive function and hereby delegate such functions and powers to the Director of Operational Delivery, including the setting of licence application fees.

1.2       Subject to consultation, to adopt the proposed policy attached at Appendix A setting out the Council’s approach to determining all applications and subsequently ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Act.

1.3      To delegate authority to the Director of Operational Delivery to approve the final policy in consultation with the Lead Member for Public Protection and Community Services following the consideration of any consultation responses.

Resolved

(1)          That it be noted that functions and powers pursuant to the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 are an executive function and such functions and powers, including the setting of licence application fees,  hereby be delegated to the Director of Operational Delivery,

(2)          That, subject to consultation, the proposed Joint Scrap Metal Licensing Policy setting out the Council’s approach to determining all applications and subsequently ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Act be appoved.

(3)          That authority be delegated to the Director of Operational Delivery, in consultation with the Lead Member for Public Protection and Community Services, to approve the final policy following the consideration of any consultation responses.

The Public Protection Manager submitted a report to seek approval for the adoption of a joint Scrap Metal Licensing Policy. The policy which would be subject to consultation, would be applied by authorised officers when determining applications for all scrap related licences and subsequently enforcing the provisions of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013.

Resolved

(1)          That it be noted that functions and powers pursuant to the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 are an executive function and such functions and powers, including the setting of licence application fees,  hereby be delegated to the Director of Operational Delivery,

(2)          That, subject to consultation, the proposed Joint Scrap Metal Licensing Policy setting out the Council’s approach to determining all applications and subsequently ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Act be appoved.

(3)          That authority be delegated to the Director of Operational Delivery, in consultation with the Lead Member for Public Protection and Community Services, to approve the final policy following the consideration of any consultation responses.

Reasons

There is no statutory requirement for a local authority to have a formal scrap metal licensing policy; however, it is considered best practice to adopt such a policy. This is for the benefit of business owners as well as reassuring the general public and other public bodies. It also ensures a level of transparency and consistency when dealing with applications.

Alternative options

Option 1: Adopt the policy and recommendations

Option 2: Reject the policy and recommendations