Agenda item

A report from the Executive Director (Operations) is attached.

The Executive Director (Operations) submitted a report advising Members on operational issues within the Licensing Service.

The report set out updates in respect of the following issues:

COVID 19 – Covid Marshals

Covid Marshals are currently working with officers within Public Protection. The marshals work 7 days a week and this changes flexibly depending on current restrictions

The work that is undertaken by the marshals includes:

• Proactive engagement with businesses and residents in Covid hotspots
• Behaviour change engagement on Covid secure matters
• Supporting GMP and Community Safety with repeat offending households.

TAXI MATTERS – Grants/Enforcement

The Licensing Service have been assisting the Strategic Planning and Economic Development service to engage with the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Trade to help promote awareness to enable them to apply for a small and micro business grant being given by the Authority.

Illegal Puppies

Officers from the Public Protection Service became aware of an illegally landed puppy following a referral from a vet. This resulted in a miniature dachshund puppy being seized and taken into quarantine. The puppy was examined and was judged (teeth checked) to be younger than 12 weeks minimum age requirement before being allowed to be imported. The puppy was imported by someone in Reading from Hungary and was found to have a fraudulent pet passport which came with the puppy.

The Public Protection Service issued a press release which can be found at:

https://www.mynewsdesk.com/uk/bury-council/pressreleases/bury-councilwarn-of-crack-down-on-the-illegal-puppy-trade-3070241

Suspected illegally Landed Cat

The Licensing Service received a referral from a vet relating to a cat that had been imported from Greece not having a relevant microchip. Officers liaised with Dover Port, given length of time cat had been in the country and several attempts to identify a microchip, the vet decided to re microchip and provide new documents once satisfied not a rabies risk.

Investigation of dumping of food at Bury Lido

Licensing Officers had assisted the investigation of fly tipping of dumped food at Bury Lido as the individual arrived by a private hire vehicle.

Reports of avian Flu in North Yorkshire surrounding Turkey and Chicken Rearing

In December, Licensing staff met with GM Civil contingencies and resilience unit to draw up an avian flu plan, this work is ongoing. Local Authorities responsibilities in relation to an outbreak includes Assisting Animal Plant & Health Agency identifying and maintaining a list of poultry keepers, enforcement of movement restrictions & bio security controls (if and when applicable) and assistance to Public Health England in managing fears and risks to human health.

The Licensing Service have reviewed poultry keepers register, also submitted communications via the Council’s website, Bury Times and Social media alerting the public about Avian Flu and requirement to keep birds indoors. Also requesting bird keepers notify the council, please note that this is not a mandatory requirement for small numbers of birds.

Ongoing Notification received are received from APHA AI notification service Notifications provide bird flu latest updates on confirmed cases – the work is still continuing.

Annual Fees for Licensing Act premises

Following the previous report to this panel on the 7^th January 2021 for noting, the Licensing Service have requested that duplicate invoices are sent to the businesses that have not paid their annual fees under the Licensing Act 2003.

Delegated decision:

That the report be noted.