A PRIVATE firm is working with a council as part of a trial to enforce powers to issue fines for littering and dog fouling.

Kingdom Local Authority Support is also helping enforce bans on dogs in playing fields and parks but the firm was criticised by one councillor who accused it of targeting elderly people.

Angela_Sandles_MCC
(Angela_Sandles_MCC)

The relationship was disclosed during a council meeting where there was a call to increase on the spot fixed penalty fines issued by Monmouthshire County Council for littering and dog fouling to the £150 maximum.

In response Councillor Angela Sandles, the cabinet member responsible, said it was already taking action and said: “We are working with Kingdom Local Authority Support on a six month enforcement trial covering littering, dog fouling and public spaces protection orders and is in response to concerns raised by residents.”

However the firm was criticised by Cllr Armand Watts, from the ruling Labour group, who said it has a poor reputation for its approach to enforcement.

The Chepstow Bulwark and Thornwell member said he agreed “with the sentiment” but said: “I’m not really sure effectively contracting this out is probably the best way forward particularly when it comes to this particular company.

“You don’t have to go far on media to find they sometimes set targets, where there’s been accusations from people who used to work for this company where they go after particularly elderly people because they are more inclined to pay fines. I know that’s a terrible indictment, but those are the accusations.”

Cllr Watts said he was “old fashioned” and remembered when he joined the council 22 years ago it would carry out such functions itself.

The council backed the motion brought by Conservative opposition group leader Cllr Richard John that it should propose increasing the fines it issues for littering and dog fouling to the maximum £150 currently permitted under Welsh regulations.

It also agreed to write to the Welsh Government to offer its support for increased fines for fly tipping and request the £150 limit for littering and dog fouling be increased.

Fines set by the council currently stand at £100 for dog fouling and £75 for littering, with reductions for prompt payment.

The Mitchel Troy and Trellech councillor said prices have risen 80 per cent since 2007, when the £150 maximum was agreed, and said: “We need a deterrent.”

On the Welsh Government’s consultation over fines for fly tipping Cllr John said: “My opening suggestion would a £1,000 fine and points on their driver’s licence.”

Monmouth Conservative Martin Newell said he’d seen wardens in Chippenham Mead and backed increased fines.

He said: “We should have penalties that reflect the seriousness with which we expect the offences to be treated.”

During the debate councillors supported calls for councils to have powers, already in place in England, to issue fines to the registered keeper or owners of vehicles litter is thrown from.

At present a fine can only be issued to the person who has thrown the litter making it almost impossible to prosecute in many cases.