Issue - meetings

The Service Manager (Environmental Health) introduced the report which gave an update on the activities of the Environmental Health Department - including the progress of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) action plan.

The Service Manager (Environmental Health) referred to page 15 of the report which gave a summary of the licences issued by Environmental Health. He said that the overall number had remained static, but that there had been a rise in the number of skin piercing licences and a drop in the number of food premises licences.

The Service Manager (Environmental Health) said that of the 21 actions within the FSA plan, 12 were now completed, 6 were on track for completion within the target time, 2 remained delayed and the 1 missed action was now achieved. He said that the amount of work done was hard to put into context, but only 19 of the 229 new business which required inspection were outstanding. He added that category A, B and C premises inspections were up to date, with category D inspections down from 200 to 16 – which would be completed by the summer, ahead of target.

The Chair thanked the Service Manager (Environmental Health) for the report.

Councillor Deffley referred to paragraph 4.4 of the report, and asked if the use of temporary contractors was more expensive.

The Service Manager (Environmental Health) said that the use of temporary contractors was more expensive, but the vacancies within Environmental Health had offset most of these costs. He said that the use of temporary staff had been agreed by Leadership Team and the retention and recruitment of staff was being looked at.

The Chair said that there had been good progress made, and asked how much time was spent by Environmental Health investigating complaints made by members of the public.

The Service Manager (Environmental Health) said that with regards to food premises complaints there was an ebb and flow, with premises broadly compliant and of no risk to the public. He said that more time was spent completing proactive inspections.

It was moved by Councillor Cox and seconded by Councillor Bull that the recommendations, as detailed, be approved. After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that (A) the performance of Environmental Health with regards to regulated and licenced activities pertaining to food premises be considered and scrutinised and any comments passed on to the Executive Member for Wellbeing for consideration; and

(B)that the performance of other activities regulated and licenced activities by Environmental Health be considered and that any comments be passed on to the Executive Member for Wellbeing for consideration.