Agenda item

Presentation attached.

The report and presentation before Members detailed a Covid – 19 update for Environmental Services.

The presentation highlighted the timeline of what had taken place since the national lockdown.

Over 1,200 additional hours had been committed to encouraging public compliance with COVID19 regulations.

The lockdown had commenced on 23 March and by 9 April The Council’s COVID19 Compliance Team started with a remit to Engage, Explain and Encourage.

In the middle of May restrictions began easing allowing open-air recreation and the meeting of a member of another household.

At the beginning of June outdoor sports amenities and outdoor non-food markets  reopened.  People could leave home and gatherings outdoors of up to 6 people were permitted.

On 15 June there was re-opening of non-essential retail shops and public-facing businesses apart from specified business, mainly hospitality and entertainment businesses. On 4 July the re-opening of pubs, bars and restaurants could take place.

During the above time over 1,200 compliance visits done, 80 extra weekend shifts had been done and 115 Health & Safety  Inspections done since the end of August which had resulted in 7 instances of  non compliance with revisits and action taken.

From the end of March Business Continuity plans had been enacted across services and from late March, all office based staff were told to work from home where possible. Some staff were moved to support other work areas within the Council and a percentage of staff were unable to work which had in turn reduced service levels and had stopped some services which had lead to the use of agency staff

Demand for some services reduced due to reduced public movement and there had been a loss of income and a loss of external funding mainly from TfL

The current position in relation to Public Protection was that Licensing hearings were being held virtually. Officers were leading on a Outbreak Management Plan for Havering. Officers continued to support businesses as they were allowed to reopen and it was now only night clubs that were closed. Pavement Licensing was now available to businesses.

HMO licensing had been paused during the lockdown period however officers had been able to carry remote enforcement on previously issued licences.

Members were advised that the current situation with regards to Enforcement was that transition to the new enforcement structure had begun on 1st June which had resulted in front line resource increase of 55%. Officers continued to provide a front-line response to complaints, enquiries and undertake investigations.

Members noted that with regards to Community Safety where possible services continued to be delivered remotely and Support services had adapted their method of delivery to be remote where appropriate. Although there had been a reduction in crime during the initial lockdown crime levels were now increasing back to normal levels.

From a police perspective infection rates were high in the command area and a protocol had been signed by all Chief Executives across London to establish a joint local authority and police partnership enforcement.

Both formally and informally there was a greater level of communication between both parties  in trying to synchronise enforcement action.

The Chairman advised that she had been sent a number of questions from a Councillor.

Officers undertook to arrange for a written response to be sent to the Councillor in question via the Chairman.

The Chairman wished to place on record her thanks to officers and police officers who had worked really hard during the pandemic

In response to a question regarding track and trace and the app not working on older phones. Officers advised that contact would also be made by phone, text, email and face to face.

Officers advised Members of the different ways that breaches of Covid restrictions could be reported. This information would also be distributed to all members of the Sub-Committee.

Police representatives also wished to place on record their thanks to officers.

The Sub-Committee noted the contents of the report and presentation.