Janet Finch-Saunders AM has raised concerns at the increased number of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) issued by, or on behalf of, Conwy County Borough Council.
Figures published by the Welsh Government show an increase of 2,515% from 2009-2010 (when just 105 FPNs were issued) to 2015-16 (when 2,746 FPNs were issued).
Controversy over enforcement action by Kingdom Security, who have contracts with over 5 councils across the UK, including Conwy, have been the subject of media scrutiny recently, with BBC Panorama investigating the company.
Janet said:
“This issue is becoming an increasing and worrying concern in my constituency. Over the past year I have seen a marked increase in the amount of casework I receive relating to FPNs disputes.
“Conwy has the third highest number of FPNs issued in Wales, and this figure will surely have risen over the last few months.
“The increase of £13,000 in penalties paid from 2014-15 to 2015-16 may well be small fry compared to what we will see when the figures are published later this year, and I am really concerned that people are being targeted over-zealously.
“We do need to clamp down on dog fouling and littering, but understanding and education should be the priority, with FPNs being issued as a last-resort only.
“I shall be writing to the Head of Service and the new Council Leader to once again flag up the many concerns raised by my constituents, regarding the current enforcement procedures, with an intention to request a thorough review of the current practices used.”
ENDS
Notes:
Full details of FPNs issued by Local Authorities in Wales available here: http://gov.wales/topics/environmentcountryside/epq/cleanneighbour/fixedpenalty/2015-16-fixed-penalty-notice-returns/?lang=en
Photos:
- Janet Finch-Saunders AM speaking in the Senedd, Cardiff Bay
- Fly tipping in Llanfairfechan, Conwy