Issue - meetings

Report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment.

Recommendations:

That Cabinet:

1. Approve a consultation with stakeholders to be undertaken in respect of the General Enforcement Policy to inform a review.

2. Note that a refreshed Policy will then be presented to Cabinet in May 2026 following the consultation.

Consideration was given to the report which asked Cabinet to approve a period of consultation with stakeholders to be undertaken in respect of the General Enforcement Policy. The Council was required by statutory guidance to have in place mechanisms to engage those they regulate, residents, businesses, and others to offer  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77

Report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment.

Recommendations:

That Cabinet:

1. Approve a consultation with stakeholders to be undertaken in respect of the General Enforcement Policy to inform a review.

2. Note that a refreshed Policy will then be presented to Cabinet in May 2026 following the consultation.

At the Chair’s invitation, Councillor Alam, Cabinet Member for Finance & Community Safety introduced the report noting that the Council adopted the General Enforcement Policy in May 2023, as required by statutory guidance to ensure engagement with regulators, residents, businesses, and other stakeholders in policy development. The review aimed to confirm stakeholder consultation and identify any necessary amendments. Consultation was scheduled from 1 December 2025 to 27 February 2026, involving council colleagues, elected members, partners, stakeholders, and the public. The adopted review policies were set out in Appendix 1, and the consultation plan in Appendix 2. Following consultation and analysis, a refreshed policy was planned for presentation to Cabinet in May 2026 for consideration.

The Strategic Director for Regeneration and Environment said the Council last reviewed its enforcement policy in 2023. Cabinet was asked to approve consultation on proposed changes, scheduled for December and January, with a further report planned for spring to adopt a revised policy.

The Chair invited members of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board (OSMB) to raise questions and queries on the points raised.

Councillor Yasseen provided feedback prior to consultation, recommending a relationship-based approach to enforcement focused on education and support rather than punitive measures. It was suggested that the consultation team work with the corporate community engagement team to strengthen engagement. The need for Equality Impact Assessments to address impacts on protected groups rather than only reporting respondent demographics was highlighted.

In response Sam Barstow, the Assistant Director for Community Safety and Street Scene welcomed members’ comments and agreed that the core aim of the enforcement policy remained achieving compliance. It was noted that most issues were resolved early without formal enforcement, though the Council would act robustly where necessary. The Assistant Director, Community Safety and Street Scene confirmed that feedback on consultation and equality duties would be taken forward, with officers working closely with other departments and ensuring a strong focus on equality in decision-making.

Councillor A Carter raised concerns about the Equality Impact Assessment, noting it stated no impact on protected characteristics. It was suggested that enforcement could disproportionately affect these groups and that the consultation plan lacked measures to engage hard-to-reach groups, such as those with disabilities or limited literacy. Councillor A Carter did not support recommending the consultation to Cabinet in its current form.

The Chair asked how the authority would ensure engagement with hard-to-reach groups, including those for whom English is not a first language.

The Assistant Director for Community Safety and Street Scene clarified that Cabinet was being asked to approve consultation, not the enforcement policy itself. A full Equality and Diversity Impact Assessment would be completed when the revised policy was considered post-consultation. Members were assured that consultation would aim to reach all parts of the community, including internal stakeholders, councillors, partners, businesses, and community groups. Methods included online surveys, printed copies in libraries and community venues, social media promotion, direct notifications to councillors and businesses, and public events in accessible locations. Key stakeholders such as South Yorkshire  ...  view the full minutes text for item 59