Agenda item

(To receive a report by Mark Keal, Trading Standards Manager, which provides a review of the delivery of Trading Standards Services in Lincolnshire for the financial year 2021 – 2022)

Consideration was given to a report from Mark Keal, Trading Standards Manager, which provided a review of the delivery of Trading Standards in Lincolnshire for the year 2021/2022.

The Chairman invited Emma Milligan, Trading Standards Operational Manager, to present the report to the Committee.  In guiding the Committee through the report, some slides were presented which provided a summary of the service.

Reference was made to:

·       The background to the Trading Standards Service, reference was made to the Authority’s statutory responsibilities to deliver consumer protection for the residents of Lincolnshire, and the Acts of Parliament and regulations the service had to adhere to;

·       The make-up of the Trading Standards team.  It was reported that the service was delivered by 33 full time staff, 28.24 of which were operational staff;

·       The number of business premises inspected (526);

·       Animal health matters.  Reference was made to the Avian Flu outbreak that affected 15 premises in the County, which had impacted emergency response. It was also highlighted that the team was also working towards tackling the top offenders around Bovine Tuberculosis testing, whilst raising awareness and campaigning with farmers;

·       Tackling determinants and preventing harm stopping fraudulent, illegal and unfair trading.  The Committee was advised that several prosecutions had been brought by Trading Standards for offences relating to the supply of illicit tobacco, which had resulted in a total of nine defendants having been sentenced; Operation Rogue Trader Week; the removal of counterfeit goods, it was noted that 21,312 counterfeit items had been removed from the marketplace in 2021/22; and partnership working with Lincolnshire Police to support Operation Vigilance; 

·       Tackling Detriment and Preventing Harm – Supporting Victims of Scams and Fraud.  It was reported that the service had supported 388 victims of scams and fraud during 2021/21;

·       In-house media support in getting consumer empowerment messages out via Facebook and Twitter;

·       Supporting the local economy, by providing business advice on an ad hoc basis and through a detailed advice service bespoke to each business;

·       Promoting health and wellbeing, which included promoting food labelling for allergens; removal of unsafe or no-compliant products from the marketplace.  It was reported that 9,960 unsafe or non-compliant products had been removed from the marketplace;

·       Developing officers, details of the achievement of staff were shown on page 82 of the report; and

·       Managing intelligence and data.

In conclusion, the Committee was advised that the Trading Standards Service had implemented measures to ensure that resources were deployed effectively to meet the demands of Lincolnshire residents, businesses, and partners and to meet the training and development needs of the service.

During consideration of this item. Some of the following comments were raised:

·       The shortage of vets in the south of the county and whether this was impacting on the service.  Clarification was given that the service used qualified vets and at times the service had struggled;

·       Thanks were extended to the Trading Standards services for all the work they were doing;

·       Some concern was express to paragraph 3.3, which advised that the service had been successful in prosecuting an individual who sold cigarettes to an underage volunteer.  Reassurance was sought as to the safety of the underage volunteer.  The Committee was advised that any such action would have parental consent, would be risk assessed beforehand and assistance sought from Lincolnshire Police;

·       That fines imposed at paragraph 3.2 were not a deterrent.  The Committee noted that it was up to the court to decide on the penalties imposed; and

·       An explanation was given as to what action would be done if a premises was found to be non-compliant.  The Committee noted that the service supported businesses to make sure they were doing things right. 

The Chairman on behalf of the Committee extended his thanks to the presenter.

RESOLVED

1.      That the Trading Standards Impact and Outcomes Framework report presented be received as an accurate snapshot of the achievements of Trading Standards for 2021/22 in supporting businesses and promoting health and wellbeing.

2.     That the comments raised by the Committee be taken into consideration by officers and relevant Portfolio Holders.