Agenda and minutes
PDF 192 KBVenue: Mezzanine 2, County Hall, Aylesbury, HP20 1UA
Contact: Joss Butler
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
To receive any apologies for absence and substitutions. Minutes: No apologies were received. |
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MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING, 29 MARCH 2017
To agree the minutes of the previous meeting, held on 29 March 2017. Minutes: The minutes were agreed as a true record of the meeting. |
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
All Members present are required to declare, at this point in the meeting or as soon as possible thereafter (i) Any disclosable pecuniary interests and / or (ii) Other interests arising under the Code of Conduct in respect of any item(s) of business being considered at this meeting NOTES: · Members are reminded that they must not participate in any item where they have a disclosable pecuniary interest · As well as an interest of the Member, this includes any interest, of which the Member is aware, that relates to the Member’s spouse or civil partner (or any person with whom the Member is living as a spouse or civil partner) · Members with a significant personal interest may participate in the discussion and vote on that matter unless that interest could be reasonably regarded as prejudicial.
Minutes: There were none. |
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PROCEDURAL ITEMS
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Members' Questions
The deadline for Member’s questions is 12pm, four working days before the meeting (Friday 22 September 2017). Minutes: There were none. |
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Public Questions
The deadline for public questions is seven days before the meeting (Thursday 21 September 2017). Minutes: There were none. |
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Petitions
The deadline for petitions was 14 days before the meeting and none have been received. Minutes: There were none. |
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FORWARD WORK PROGRAMME
To review and agree the Committee’s Forward Work Programme Additional documents: Minutes: Declarations of interest:
None
Witnesses:
Steve Ruddy, Head of Trading Standards, Buckinghamshire County Council and Surrey County Council Joint Trading Standards Service
Amanda Poole, Deputy Head of Trading Standards, Buckinghamshire County Council and Surrey County Council Joint Trading Standards Service
Phil Dart, Service Director for Communities, Buckinghamshire County Council
Key points from the discussion:
1. Officers informed Members that an item relating to the ‘Implications of Brexit with regard to Trading Standards’ would be considered at the Surrey County Council Communities Select Committee in 2018. Members were asked to confirm if the report should first be considered and noted by the Trading Standards Joint Committee. After some discussion it was agreed that it would be beneficial for the item to be considered at the private Trading Standards Board meeting. 2. The Committee discussed the potential for promoting public engagement within the Committee. It was stated that using social media in order to identify areas of concern would be beneficial as these concerns could then be considered by the Committee. The Committee further discussed committee promotion where it was noted that the work of the Trading Standards service would be highlighted on national television shortly, including in an episode BBC Rip Off Britain. 3. It was noted that an informal Board meeting would be held in early 2018 to discuss the joint service budget setting. Actions/ further information to be provided:
1. A8/17 – To consider new ways of promoting public engagement with the Committee.
RESOLVED;
That the Buckinghamshire County Council and Surrey County Joint Trading Standards Service Committee reviewed and agreed the Committee’s Forward Work Programme.
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To review and agree the Committee’s action tracker. Additional documents: Minutes: Declarations of interest:
None
Witnesses:
Steve Ruddy, Head of Trading Standards, Buckinghamshire County Council and Surrey County Council Joint Trading Standards Service
Amanda Poole, Deputy Head of Trading Standards, Buckinghamshire County Council and Surrey County Council Joint Trading Standards Service
Phil Dart, Service Director for Communities, Buckinghamshire County Council
Key points from the discussion:
1. The Committee were informed that there were three outstanding actions in the Actions Tracker. In regards to Action ref A2/17, a briefing had been provided within Annex 1 of the ‘Performance and Joint Service Budget Review’ report. 2. In regards to Action ref A3/17, a verbal update was provided to the Committee which stated that there had been little progress since the last meeting. Members noted that Public Health would be leading on the implication of the Workplace Wellbeing Tracker. 3. In regards to Action ref A4/17, the Committee further confirmed that a letter should be sent to the Surrey and Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioners highlighting the work being done by Trading Standards to prevent crime and disorder. 4. The Committee noted the recent implementation of the Actions Tracker and asked that it be more detailed when outlining responses, specifically requesting that the date of expected response to actions be included in the tracker.
RESOLVED;
That the Buckinghamshire County Council and Surrey County Joint Trading Standards Service Committee review and agree the Committee’s Actions Tracker.
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The Trading Standards Joint Committee is asked to review and endorse an updated Enforcement Policy for use by the Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards Service (the Trading Standards Service).
Additional documents: Minutes: Declarations of interest:
None
Witnesses:
Steve Ruddy, Head of Trading Standards, Buckinghamshire County Council and Surrey County Council Joint Trading Standards Service
Amanda Poole, Deputy Head of Trading Standards, Buckinghamshire County Council and Surrey County Council Joint Trading Standards Service
Phil Dart, Service Director for Communities, Buckinghamshire County Council
Key points from the discussion:
1. The Committee noted the report, which highlighted the need for an updated Enforcement Policy for use by the Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards Service. It was stated that central government had introduced alternative methods to deal with non-compliance with legislation. The implementation of the outlined amendment to the Enforcement Policy would allow the Service to use the full extent of existing legislation, including the use of financial penalties in appropriate circumstances. 2. A Member of the Committee highlighted the amended wording in the Enforcement Policy and ask that it be altered from “may issue financial penalties to offenders” to “can issue financial penalties to offenders” which the Committee agreed. 3. Officers confirmed to Members the process for issuing financial penalties. 4. It was explained to Members that the enforcement policy would be available on the Trading Standards website.
Actions/ further information to be provided:
Action Ref A5/17 – To amend the wording within the Enforcement Policy from “may issue financial penalties to offenders” to “can issue financial penalties to offenders”
RESOLVED:
It was agreed that the Trading Standards Joint Committee endorses the amended Enforcement Policy as attached as Annex 1 of the report
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PERFORMANCE AND JOINT SERVICE BUDGET REVIEW
The Buckinghamshire County Council and Surrey County Council Trading Standards Service Joint Committee is asked to note the performance of the service for financial year from April 2016 to March 2017. Additional documents: Minutes: Declarations of interest:
None
Witnesses:
Steve Ruddy, Head of Trading Standards, Buckinghamshire County Council and Surrey County Council Joint Trading Standards Service
Amanda Poole, Deputy Head of Trading Standards, Buckinghamshire County Council and Surrey County Council Joint Trading Standards Service
Phil Dart, Service Director for Communities, Buckinghamshire County Council
Andy Tink, Senior Principal Accountant, Surrey County Council
Key points from the discussion:
1. Officers introduced the report and provided a summary for each Key Performance Indicator (KPI) which was outlined in the report. Members noted that although this report covered the entirety of the previous financial year, future updates would be six monthly. It was further noted that the National Audit Office had stated that the absence of national KPIs for Trading Standards was not optimal and that the Association of Chief Trading Standards Officers were in the process of looking into the development of national KPIs. 2. In regards to KPI 7, a discussion was had relating to partnership working with residents at ‘street level’ in order to provide community care and protection to the most vulnerable. Members said this was significant benefit to residents and should be explored further. 3. A Member of the Committee raised a query relating to registrars’ information (I.e. births and deaths) and if this would be shared with Trading Standards. Officers stated that there was a national scheme titled ‘Tell Us Once’ which aimed to share this information with the appropriate services, but this information could not be shared with Trading Standard without consent. 4. Members of the Committee discussed the work being done to alleviate the issue of Modern Slavery in Buckinghamshire and asked what equivalent services were in place in Surrey. Further discussion was had where it was confirmed that Trading Standards Officers were alert to identify potential cases, but did not work specifically with prevention. However, it was noted that officers worked closely with Community Safety Teams and the police to ensure that instances that were suspected were dealt with appropriately. 5. Members questioned whether it was possible to separate the individual KPIs to identify the difference between Surrey and Buckinghamshire County Council. Officers stated that although it would be possible for some figures, it would not be appropriate to separate the indicators in most cases. 6. Officers confirmed that, as of August 2017, there had been a projected service budget underspend of approximately 2%. It was further confirmed that the service were on track to meet the target savings of 27% which was outlined in Annex 2 of the report. The retention of staff was said to be a challenge and had partially lead to the savings within the service. It was also noted that, as a result of the challenge in staff retention, that there was a possibility that potential income from the service was also lower. 7. Members requested that the Cabinet of both authorities work to safeguard funding for the joint service budget.The Cabinet Members of both authorities noted that the authorities were facing acute ... view the full minutes text for item 22/17 |
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TRADING STANDARDS TOBACCO WORK
This report considers the Service’s work in relation to tobacco and is not restricted only to its sale to children and young people.
Minutes: Declarations of interest:
None
Witnesses:
Steve Ruddy, Head of Trading Standards, Surrey County Council
Key points from the discussion:
1. The Committee noted the details outlined in the report. 2. A Member of the committee raised concern with the occurrences of tobacco counterfeiting within their local area.
Actions/ further information to be provided:
None.
RESOLVED:
The Trading Standards Joint Committee considered the report as a reflection of activity over the financial year 2016 – 2017 and considered enforcement activities which may be undertaken in 2017 – 2018. |
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SERVICES TO BUSINESSES
The purpose of this document is to inform and update the Buckinghamshire County Council and Surrey County Council Trading Standards Service Joint Committee in relation to the current services offered to businesses. Additional documents: Minutes: Declarations of interest:
None
Witnesses:
Michele Manson, Business Development Manager, Surrey County Council
Key points from the discussion:
1. The Committee received a briefing on the services provided to businesses by Trading Standards. Various updates were noted including that a new e-learning package had been developed and was now live and available for purchase. It was said that a significant aim was to improve links between Trading Standards and new businesses in order to both provide support and to generate new income. It was highlighted that income from business partnerships was not guaranteed to be long term due to contracts being renewed annually. Members noted further services provided by Trading Standards, this included details of a dedicated business advice line. 2. Members sought clarification on what the dedicated staff budget was for the services that were previously outlined. Officers believed it to be around 25% of the Trading Standards budget but could not confirm the exact amount. It was agreed for this information to be circulated after the meeting. It was further asked if the staffing budget exceeded the income generated from the provided services. 3. Members referenced the risk management details within paragraph 7.0 of the report and asked that they be taking into account when considering future budget arrangements.
Actions/ further information to be provided:
A7/17 – For information to be circulated on the budget for Trading Standards staff that provide services to businesses.
RESOLVED:
The Trading Standards Joint Committee agreed to:
1. cease offering the Home Authority service to new customers.
2. endorsed the range of business services currently offered by the Service. |
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TRADING STANDARDS SCAMS WORK
This report summarises the wide range of approaches, interventions, and partnerships through which we aim to both protect victims, prevent crime, and bring perpetrators to justice.
Additional documents: Minutes: Declarations of interest:
None
Witnesses:
Steve Ruddy, Head of Trading Standards, Buckinghamshire County Council and Surrey County Council Joint Trading Standards Service
Amanda Poole, Deputy Head of Trading Standards, Buckinghamshire County Council and Surrey County Council Joint Trading Standards Service
Phil Dart, Service Director for Communities, Buckinghamshire County Council
Key points from the discussion:
1. Officers introduced the item and explained that the report outlined a wide range of ongoing approaches, interventions, and partnerships which were carried out by Trading Standards in order to support victims and bring perpetrators to justice. It was highlighted that 1 in 10 door step victims and 1 in 20 scam victims were known by Trading Standards. These figures were said to increase as Trading Standards meets its goal to reach out to more victims of scams. It was further noted that an introduced scam call blocker was currently efficient and had so far blocked over 47,000 scam calls. 2. A Member asked if it would be possible to defend against scams by using banks to restrict payments to scammers before they are made. Officers stated that the National Scams Team were currently looking into the development of a deferred payment system which would have the ability to offer further protection from scammers, but that there were many implications that would need to be considered as part of this work. 3. A discussion was had regarding how the Trading Standards service balances its resource allocation between preventing scams and other Trading Standards services. It was said that resource allocation was continuously under review and would therefore change if new services were required. It was noted that scams protection was not a statutory requirement so officers would continue to ensure that resources were balanced appropriately. 4. The Committee suggested that further conversations were had with District / Borough Councils to explore the opportunity for partnership work.
Actions/ further information to be provided:
None.
RESOLVED:
It was agreed that the Trading Standards Joint Committee:
1. note the work carried out relating to scams
2. Consider how the service can increase its impact in protecting residents and tackling scams.
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DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Buckinghamshire County Council and Surrey County Council Joint Trading Standards Service Committee will be held on 29 March 2018. Minutes: The Committee noted that its next meeting will be held on 29 March 2018. |