Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies were received by Councillor(s): M Lowson, B Clark, C Buckley, A Walker, L Brand, J Foreman, A Lamonte, J Heron.

Apologies were received by Officer(s): M Pope.

The Joint Committee is asked to approve as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting.

The Committee agreed the minutes of the last meeting on 18^th July 2024 as an accurate record.

A report by Michelle Pope.

The Committee was informed that the overall financial position is healthy with a reduction in premises costs attributing to a £23,000 underspend – an increase from the previously reported £5000 underspend reported in quarter 1.

The Committee learned of the current reserve balance of £198,000. As a result of this balance, Councillors were informed that the 2025/26 levy will be frozen to remain the same as the levy of 2024/25.

Councillors welcomed the news of the levy remaining as it were in 2024/25.

The Committee discussed the possibility of spending reserves to invest in equipment and work. Councillors learned that there is equipment to be obtained for use in the Metrology Laboratory and it is expected that the reserve balance is to be spent wisely.

RESOLVED:

i.              That the Committee noted the report.

A report by David Malone.

The Committee considered a report which included updates on staff recruitment, operating structure, and laboratory improvements.

Councillors learned that phase 2 of the ongoing refurbishment will see a new facility built within the laboratory, as well as painting throughout. This follows phase 1 which saw refurbished electrics throughout the laboratory.

The report informed Councillors of the many organisations that use the services of the laboratory. Included is the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) from which the laboratory receives an additional £25000 per year, for its services towards safety standards. Councillors learned that this sum is available to be invested in related work across the region.

The Committee discussed the frequency of testing and calibration of Newcastle Airport baggage weighing equipment. Councillors learned that testing and calibration is conducted every 6 months on the equipment, which are considered a priority due to their being potential costs to consumers involved.

The Committee learned that over a 4-year cycle, as advised by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), each equipment requiring testing and calibration undergoes such checks.

The Committee discussed the ability to record environmental impacts. Councillors learned that the laboratory provides calculation of its production of carbon footprints, to customers who require the information to calculate their own overall impact.

RESOLVED:

i.              That the Committee noted the report.

A report by Alan Burnett.

The Committee received the report which informed Members of the response from Trading Standards services to the BBC investigation into the display of misleading Food Safety Ratings.

The Committee learned that all official scores/ratings are recorded for public viewing on the Food Standards Agency website. The website allows for links from food premises to local authorities for the interest of the public.

ACTION:

i.              To share a further briefing of the report throughout all authorities.

ii.             To communicate a letter from the Committee to Environmental Health institutions to show enthusiasm towards their work to lobby Government.

iii.            To ask Environmental Health colleagues to write a motion for Local Authorities to escalate.

RESOLVED:

i.              That the Committee noted the report.

A report by Darren Coulton.

The Committee received the report which informed Members of the proposed ban on the sale of single-use vapes.

The report informs that the ban has been confirmed by Government and will take effect in England from June 2025.

The Committee learned of the varieties of vape products remaining post-ban, such as ‘hybrid’ devices, which may still provide an increase in waste.

The Committee discussed further measures that may be introduced such as classifying vape products as ‘duty’ products, the support of Border Force, and addressing the product attractiveness of vape products as has been seen with tobacco products.

RESOLVED:

i.              That the Committee noted the report.

A report by Tony Dunn.

The Committee received the report which informed Members of the current Bluetongue outbreak and of the increase of the number of livestock affected by the Bluetongue virus in this last year.

The map provided in the report shows the affected areas, although this has since been outdated due to further reported cases of which there are, at the time of reporting to the Committee, 146 cases in 25 counties. The south-east of England has seen a large number of infected livestock due to a plume of wind bringing Bluetongue-carrying insects over from mainland Europe.

Awareness has been provided to Local Authorities regarding dealing with and reporting Bluetongue virus.

RESOLVED:

i.              That the Committee noted the report.

A report by David Ellerington.

The Committee received the report which informed Members of the award of the PDSA Order of Merit to BWY Canine Limited tobacco dogs, Yoyo and Scamp.

Yoyo and Scamp have retired following service in supporting local authorities and Trading Standards services in targeting shops selling illegal tobacco products.

The Committee discussed the removal of equipment which is used to conceal such products and learned that the equipment is disabled with Northumbria Police acknowledging the sophistication of the equipment used.

RESOLVED:

i.              That the Committee noted the report.

The Joint Committee is asked to consider the following schedule of meetings for 2024/25:

-        Thursday, 20 March 2025 at 10.00am

The next Committee is scheduled 20^th March 2025, 10am in the Whickham room, Gateshead Civic Centre.