Agenda item

(To receive a report by Daniel Steel, Scrutiny Officer, which invites the Committee to consider the use of sky lanterns and balloons to examine whether the Council should introduce a ban on their use on all Lincolnshire County Council owned land and property)

Consideration was given to a presentation by the Scrutiny Officer, which invited the Committee to consider the use of sky lanterns and balloons to examine whether the Council should introduce a ban on their use on Lincolnshire County Council owned land and property.

In 2014, the Community and Public Safety Scrutiny Committee had raised concerns over the release of sky lanterns and the potential harm that could be caused by them.

Members were advised that there was currently no UK legislation available to control the use of Sky Lanterns or balloons. However, an increasing number of Councils, including some Lincolnshire Councils, had already banned the use of sky lanterns on Council property. Norfolk County Council had already banned the use of sky lanterns and helium-balloons on land owned by the Council, and were also proactive in engaging with businesses, communities, landowners, schools and individuals in Norfolk to encourage them to sign up to the charter. Norfolk County Council also raised awareness of safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives through promotion and campaigns.

The Scrutiny Officer set out a number of alternatives to sky lanterns which were not harmful to the environment and wildlife.

Members considered the report and during the discussion the following points were noted:

·         It was suggested that Councillors lobby Members of Parliament on this issue.

·         Members acknowledged that enforcing a ban on the release of sky lanterns and balloons was difficult, however it could discourage use and also provide an opportunity to highlight the use of more positive alternatives.

·         From a trading standards perspective there were no legal restrictions on the use of sky lanterns. It was proposed that this could also be something that was included in the licensing of wedding venues, which would provide promote good practice at the venues.

·         One Member suggested that taking a similar approach to Norfolk County Council would be beneficial.

·         There was discussion around the potential for claims to be made against the Council as landowners if it did not ban the use of sky lanterns on its land.Members were advised that there were a number of campaigns about the use of fire lanterns and balloons run by other external organisations.

·         The Assistant Chief Fire Officer agreed to look into the number of incidents dealt with by LFR as a result of the use of sky lanterns and balloons. LFR supported the Council in raising awareness of the risks posed by Fire Lanterns.

The Committee supported the introduction of a ban of fire lanterns and balloons on all Council owned land and property, as well as engaging and educating the public on the risks posed by sky lanterns and balloons. It was agreed that this be put forward as a formal recommendation to the Leader of the Council.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the Committee support the introduction of a ban of fire lanterns and balloons on all Council owned land and property;

2.    That the Committee recommend that the Council engage and educate the public on the risks posed by the release of sky lanterns and balloons; 

3.    That the Committee put forward a formal recommendation to the Leader of the Council in relation to this matter.