Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent of Epping Forest.

The Committee considered the report of the Superintendent of Epping Forest and noted Officers’ dismay at the level of fines handed out by Magistrates recently. Officers informed Members that it was their intention to invite local Magistrates to visit the forest to witness the misuse of the area.

The Committee approved, in March 2014, an increase in the level of Court costs and charges for the disposal of fly tips, in line with the three year Retail Price Index (RPI) of 10.01%. It was proposed to increase charges again using the RPI of 1.4%.

Officers clarified that in the case of Byelaw 3(21) Erecting or building on Forest Land, a fine had been issued by Barkingside Court for £200.00, however the costs of dissembling and storing the display amounted to £2341.00. These costs were not always awarded in full, and were often unpaid by the guilty parties. It was the responsibility of the Courts to recover these monies and pass them on to the City of London Corporation. Payments to the City of London Corporation currently broadly reflect the national average collection rate of 52%.

In response to a query from Members, Officers confirmed that staff in the forest represented themselves during court cases and were able to seek legal advice. Forest Keepers received personal safety training together with professional witness and court training to support the enforcement of the Epping Forest byelaws.

Resolved: Members approve an increase on the current figures for 2015/16 of 1.4% for court costs (in line with Retail Price Index increase of 1.4%) and 8% for disposal costs (in line with the Government Landfill Tax escalator).