Decision details

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Place and Transport seeking approval of the draft Trading Standards, Port Health & Parking Fraud Investigations Enforcement Policy.

To consider and approve the proposed Trading Standards, Port Health & Parking Fraud Investigations Enforcement Policy and linked Protocols.

The Trading Standards, Port Health & Parking Fraud Investigations Enforcement Policy outlines the council’s approach to encouraging compliance with its regulations and policies through enforcement. Encouraging compliance with council policies and regulations enables the council to promote positive outcomes as set out in the City Strategy 2016-2020. In addition, it supports the Southampton City Council Strategy (2016-2020) outcomes:

•  People in Southampton live safe, healthy, independent lives

•  Southampton is a modern, attractive city where people are proud to live and work.

1.  One alternative discussed was to have separate enforcement policies for Trading Standards, Port Health & Parking Fraud Investigations. This is inadvisable because having a joint policy that covers all of the areas the legislation is relevant to provides a solid common reference point for Officers when dealing with enforcement issues in these areas. Without a joint policy, there is a risk that principles are inconsistently applied across the different service areas, and having a joint policy ensures that enforcement is carried out consistently in line with the general Enforcement Policy.

2.  Another alternative option would be to refer solely to the council’s general enforcement policy rather than separate policies. This is strongly inadvisable because it would not make full use of the powers available to the local authority and would undermine the council’s ability to provide effective enforcement. It would also leave the council vulnerable to legal challenge.