Agenda item

The Committee RESOLVED to note the level and scope of work being carried out to meet the requirements of the plan.

Gerry McCarthy introduced the report and highlighted key areas.

The Food Law Enforcement Service Plan Update  This was a statutory plan and focussed on deliverables.  As Hackney compared favourably in terms of compliant percentages with the London Boroughs which submitted a return, the Committee asked if Hackney was more proactive in this area.  Gerry McCarthy said that those premises which had an inspection overdue, were aware that an inspection would happen imminently and that tended to focus them on compliance.

Trading Standards  Gerry McCarthy said that the Council had undertaken more inspections in the second quarter. Furthermore, officers used more intelligence led projects when identifying premises for inspection.  Where possible when goods were seized, items were recycled for example removing fake logos from T-shirts and donating these to charity.

In respect of product safety, Cllr Oszen said that many shopkeepers bought electrical items from wholesalers and would not know that the items were not safe.  What, if anything, could the Council do about this?  Gerry McCarthy said he would investigate.

Councillor Williams asked what specifically was unsafe about fidget spinners?  Gerry McCarthy said that this referred to the poor quality and the fact that some could be swallowed by children.

Councillor Snell asked for clarification on animal feed checks.  Gerry McCarthy said that the 29 checks had been on businesses which were registered for animal feed such as pet shops and supermarkets.

The Committee queried what was meant by unregulated credit.  Gerry McCarthy explained that this was where shopkeepers allowed customers to buy items "on tick" and kept a book detailing transactions.  However, this sort of arrangement required a formal credit agreement to be in place.  Councillor Williams said that it was important to work across all departments on this as such an arrangement may be as a result of food poverty. 

Councillor Fajana Thomas asked for clarification on the knife checks.  Gerry McCarthy said that Hackney had received a grant from the Home Office which enabled checks of premises for selling to underage children using police cadets.  Councillor Coban asked how it was decided who to prosecute.  Gerry McCarthy said that prosecution would take place when a premises had a history of offending.  His preference would be for premises to keep knives behind the counter as with fireworks rather than on open display.

Councillor Webb asked how the Council could suggest that knives were kept behind counters as this was a sensible proposal.   Councillor Williams said she would talk to Councillor Selman about this as the lead member in this area.  Councillor Ozsen suggested a wider use of amnesty boxes for knives placed in faith centres such as churches and mosques

Gerry McCarthy said that considerable work had been carried out around advertising boards and estate agents.  Councillor Stops thanked him for this and asked if the Council could target the worst offenders in this area such as those with boards along Mare Street.  The way these boards were used breached various regulations.

Councillor Fajana-Thomas led the Committee's thanks to Gerry McCarthy on  all the hard work the team had put in and noted that there were no red risk ratings across the spectrum of work.

The Committee RESOLVED to note the level and scope of work being carried out to meet the requirements of the plan.