Issue - meetings

The Assembly received this report introduced by Councillor Butt, Cabinet Member for Crime and Enforcement, relating to a petition co-ordinated by the Barking Labour Party containing over 2000 valid signatures from borough residents requesting that the Council seek Secretary of State approval to the making of local byelaw(s) prohibiting spitting and urinating in public places.

In response to Members’ questions, the Cabinet Member went on to say that other boroughs including Enfield have already applied for such a byelaw.  The issue of enforcement was important and initially work would be undertaken in areas where this is happening, such as the Heathway and the Town Centre.  She emphasised the importance of building respect and civic pride in our borough through our schools to stop this dirty habit.

Members further proposed a campaign to eradicate spitting, suggesting that our local football teams might join us, thereby setting a marker within the football environment.

The Chair thanked Councillor Alexander for the work she had done in highlighting this unacceptable behaviour.

The Assembly agreed to:

(i)  Seek the Secretary of State’s approval to the making of a byelaw prohibiting spitting in public spaces and imposing a fine for non compliance; and

(ii)  noted that as urinating in a public placeis currently enforced by the Police under Section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986, there was no need to impose a separate byelaw.