Agenda item

The Technical Services Manager, Worcestershire Regulatory Services, summarised the Activity and Performance Data, Quarters 1 to 4, 2024/2025 report, and in doing so drew Members’ attention to the following:-

Activity Data

The number of cases received during the year was an increase of 18% compared to 2022/23 but an increase of 7% compared to 2023/24. Approximately 88% of cases were reports of lost or stray dogs with most cases categorised as "contained strays" (meaning dogs were found and held by members of the public). There had, however, been a notable increase in the number of dogs picked up with welfare concerns and subsequently requiring veterinary treatment or examination. Approximately 44% of dogs were successfully reunited with their owners although this figure varied significantly between local authorities. In general terms, the service received a low number of dog control complaints and enquiries each quarter. 

Based on the 92 complaints received during the year, 40 cases related to dogs which were persistently straying from residential properties, whilst 35 cases related to dog fouling.

Based on the 1,722 interventions undertaken during the year, as had been the case for some years now, only a small proportion of businesses were rated as "non-compliant" (issued a rating of 0, 1, or 2 FHRS score). A significant proportion of non-compliant ratings were issued to the hospitality sector (such as takeaways and pubs) or small retailers.

The number of health and safety at work cases received last year fell by 9% compared to 2022/23 but was 3% higher than last year. Just over 40% of cases were reports of accidents in workplaces, with most cases relating to injuries where a worker was incapacitated for more than seven days or injuries to members of the public. Sadly, the service had begun investigating some complex cases, which included, a fatality, and several others that were still in process.

The number of licensing cases received during the year was 3% higher than 2022/23 but 4% lower than last year. Around 65% of cases recorded were applications and registrations, with private hire or hackney carriage vehicles representing 31% of the demand and 24% from temporary events notices served on the six councils under the Licensing Act 2003.

The Licensing team received a significant number of enquiries each year, such as queries about regulations, by-laws, and licence condition. Actual complaints about conduct of license holders and businesses were fewer in number, with approximately 49% relating to taxi licensing (i.e., poor driver behaviour, unauthorised parking, or poor driving standards, etc,) and 22% related to alcohol licensing, and allegations of business failing to uphold the licensing objectives. A further 13% of complaints had related to animal licensing with most cases relating to the unlicensed breeding and/or sale of dogs.

The overall number of nuisance-type cases received during 2024/5 told a tale of poor weather, with the figures showing a 29% fall compared to 2022/23 and 20% compared to 2023/24. Licensing would probably see an increase in Temporary Event Notices (TENs) applied for, due to the good weather conditions. 

Performance

As highlighted in the WRS Revenue Monitoring April to March 2025, WRS had had another successful year and had overachieved the budgeted income by £512k.

The Licensing and Support Services Manager, WRS responded to questions on the percentage of vehicles found to be defective whilst in service .  Members were informed that although licensed drivers had been told they were still not complying, the figures had reduced but had not reduced enough. Every time a licence was revoked, WRS issued a press release. However, officers wanted to get more information out via social media and create more awareness about licensed drivers ensuring that they regularly maintained their vehicles.

It was felt that with the cost of living crisis that some licensed drivers were using the 6 monthly test as a way of determining what repairs were required, rather than routinely checking their vehicle for defects. Licensed drivers should be maintaining their vehicles during those 6 months.

Councillor J. Spilsbury, Redditch Borough Council responded with regard to the high percentage of RBC vehicles found to be defective, and in doing so, highlighted that RBC had a very high number of licensed drivers and that  Licensing Sub-Committee Members were very thorough and did revoke licenses when deemed necessary.  RBC Members had also recently ‘pushed back’ when the trade had requested the use of other garages for their 6 monthly tests to be carried out, due to the Council’s depot at Crossgates not having enough capacity.  Councillor Spilsbury suggested that more communication was needed reminding licensed drivers of their responsibility to routinely maintain their vehicles.

The Licensing and Support Services Manager stated that the Council’s depots did have a certain window for re-tests where there was no charge for licensed drivers.

The Director of WRS further commented that the Council’s depots were very good and carried out an excellent service, but also that the private garage commissioned for Worcester City did an excellent job and kept WRS informed of any concerns they had.

The Technical Services Manager, WRS responded to further questions on the dog contracts taken on for other Districts and the expenses and costs involved with WRS delivering this service. Members were reassured that this commercial work was costed out and estimated, based on the numbers provided by the other Districts, in order to ensure that WRS covered their costs and supported the WRS budget.

With regards to dog welfare concerns, larger breeds of dogs were being purchased, with some owners then finding them difficult to manage / care for.  The dog wardens carried out excellent work and would never rehome or place a dog with a charity for rehoming, that would cause any injuries / issues. The dog wardens worked with difficult dogs and retrained dogs in order to see if they could be rehomed.

There were four dog wardens, and they all worked hard to rehome dogs where possible and other authorities were now recognising their expertise.

RESOLVED that the Activity and Performance Data Quarters 1 to 4, 2024/25, be noted and that Members use the contents of the report in their own reporting back to their respective partner authority.