Agenda item

Members gave consideration to a report which provided the results of the schedule 4 scheme consultation and which proposed the continuation of the scheme as a result.

The Council had agreed to implement the Scheme using its powers under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and it had come into had come into effect in August 2018 for the Gainsborough area. The scheme had been introduced to combat the persistent issue of abandoned shopping trolleys, which at the time were being collected at a rate of 30 per week. It allowed the Authority to cover the cost of abandoned shopping trolley clearance.

The issue of abandoned shopping trolleys was still present in Gainsborough and the collection rates were now averaging 12 - 13 per week. The first quarter of 2023 had seen the number fall below an average of 10 per week, a reduction of 62% since the implementation of the Scheme. 

The report set out positive results from the consultation process, which include 132 responses received. 75% of respondents believed abandoned shopping trolleys were an issue in Gainsborough. 87% of respondents believed that the Council should continue the Schedule 4 scheme. 62% of respondents agreed with the proposed charges. 22% believed the charges should be higher. The report detailed responses to the consultation, and the proposed scheme tried to reflect some of the suggestions brought out during the process.

Debate ensued, and Members gave their commendation to the proposed continuation of the scheme, in improving the environment, and reducing their presence. Support and thanks were given for the public responses, to officers for their efforts, and the street cleansing team for their work.

In reply to a question on the actions of supermarkets in stopping trolleys leaving their premises, the Housing and Environmental Enforcement Manager detailed that prior to the scheme, liaison work with supermarkets failed in reducing the problem, and some of the action by supermarkets did not have enough impact. The Officer clarified that the third resolution was the Authority expressing a willingness to support the local supermarkets and being realistic with the expectations of the issue.

In response to a query about the possible expansion of the scheme to other businesses who utilised shopping trolleys, such as DIY stores, the Housing and Environmental Enforcement Manager explained that the scope of the Schedule 4 legislation specifically stated that it was for supermarkets. Normal recovery and return procedures were in place for any trolleys found by the Authority for other shops. Members learned that it was nearly all supermarket trolleys that had been recovered since the scheme started.

Having been proposed and seconded, on taking the vote, it was unanimously

            RESOLVED that:-

a)    the results of the consultation carried out between 23rd June 2023 and 21st July 2023 be noted;

b)    the Environmental Protection Act 1990, Schedule 4 scheme relating to abandoned shopping trolleys in Gainsborough be continued and that the charges remain as shown in the schedule in appendix 1,

c)    Officers, in conjunction with the Chair of the Committee engage with the supermarkets in the area that are responsible for the largest volume of abandoned trolleys to ensure that they are aware of the outcome of the consultation and are taking steps to reduce the impact locally; and

d)    the scheme be reviewed again by committee in 5 years’ time, during 2028 and that an annual update be provided to Chair’s Brief from 2024 onwards.