Issue - meetings

A report is attached. There will be a presentation at the meeting.

The Chair invited Aled Williams, Environmental Protection Manager to introduce the item. The officer gave a presentation covering the following:

·  Gulls overview

·  Gulls Strategy and Action Plan

·  2022 Actions

Panel Members raised the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Crossley asked how we justify the support given to single households regarding Gulls. The officer explained that work would be carried out on a number of properties at the same time which shares the cost of equipment. There is a limited budget so we look at areas where we can make the best use of the resources we have often based on a demonstrable threat to public health or public safety.

Councillor Johnson asked how we will manage the increase in Gull numbers if the numbers have not been cut down by measures taken so far. The officer explained that Council’s are restricted by National Health England’s licensing regime. He explained that there is a section of society who disagree with any interference at all.

Councillor Dr Kumar asked what the numbers showed as a result of the counting in May. The officer explained that that had been a 4% increase. He explained that if Local Authorities and society wish to control these numbers, licensing changes would be needed which would require lobbying the Government/National Health England.

Councillor Hirst asked if there was a role for community volunteers and also asked if other ideas had been considered such as hawks. The officer explained that there were community champions such as the public speakers at the meeting today. He also explained that there has been a scrutiny day on the issues in the past looking at many ideas.