Agenda item

Report of the Director of Open Spaces.

Members were requested to exercises powers delegated by the Court of Common Council to authorise Superintendent, Paul Thomson, to appear on behalf of the City of London in Magistrates’ Courts.

Under the “Courts Act 2003” sections 8 and 10, Officers that have been authorised by the Committee and sworn in by a Magistrate can present a case at any Magistrates Court that is chosen by the Local Authorities that have Epping Forest land within their boundaries. The Authorities are the London Borough of Waltham Forest, the London Borough of Redbridge, the London Borough of Newham and Essex County Council.

In response to a query from Members, the Director clarified that this authorisation was to ensure that the Corporation was fully compliant in any Court proceedings. It would also allow the Superintendent to start any such process when he encounters byelaw offenders in the Forest.

Resolved: Members recommended that in accordance with Sections 101 and 223(1) of the Local Government Act 1972 and Section 31(4) of the Epping Forest Act 1878 that Paul Thomson be authorised to appear on behalf of the City of London in Magistrates’ Courts.