Gavin Dennett, Strategic Lead Public Protection, provided Members with an oversight of the work the Trading Standards Team undertook on behalf of the Council. This included:

·       Trading Standards Team focusing on the protection of residents in regards to consumer protection and provide protection and support for Thurrock’s business community.

·       Product safety and counterfeit goods.

·       The Trading Standards Team consisted of 11 officers, three of which were newly appointed trainee officers.

·       Within the Trading Standards Team there was a Ports Team working on product safety within the ports in Thurrock.

·       Delivered Tobacco Control Work that focused on the illegal tobacco trade.

·       The Trading Standards Team worked in accordance with the Council’s Corporate Priorities as well as the National Trading Standards Office for Product Safety and Standards, DEFRA and the Food Standards Agency.

·       The Trading Standards Team was the busiest in the country in terms of demand placed on Thurrock having three container ports in the borough.

·       Two additional officers were recruited following the indication that the EU Exit could increase the part of the team’s workload relating to imports and exports by 189%.

·       Undertook routine Inspections and Investigations.

·       Providing advice to Thurrock residents and businesses.

Some of the successes of the Team had been:

·       Achieved a Proceeds of Crime Award against a counterfeit handbag selling ring of a total of £271,171.47.

·       A prolific illicit tobacco seller had been fined £10,000 after seizing 17,000 cigarettes from over a six month period.

·       Prevented 50,952 unsafe items and 557,561 non-compliant items from entering into the UK.

·       That 1155 food premises were advised on their responsibilities.

·       That 53 scam victims visited and advised on their rights on how to avoid falling prey to scammers.

·       That 76 retailers of age restricted items visited and advised of their duties.

·       The Trading Standards Team delivered on a part worn tyre project.

The Chair thanked the Officer for the report and open the item up for Member questions.

Councillor Lawrence questioned with all the amount of work being undertaken and the Trading Standards Team being so small did the team feel that they were under a lot pressure. Gavin Dennett stated staff numbers had increased with additional staff employed in readiness for the EU Exit and was monitored nationally by the Office for Product Safety and Standards. If a need to increase staff had been identified, additional resources would be bid for. That Thurrock had been able to attract and retain staff and Gavin Dennett confirmed he was happy with the position of the number of staff v. number of residents.

The Chair stated that number should be the number of staff v. workload and asked for reassurance that the Trading Standards Team were set and ready to cover the potential increase of the EU Exit that would increase the team’s workload by 189%. Gavin Dennett stated these were estimates from the National Trading Standards but based on the worse case position of the EU Exit. That additional staff had been recruited to address that and had that capacity to use if required. Making use of intelligence and algorithms used and extra training facilities had been made available in conjunction with DP World. That those staff working at ports would work in conjunction with colleagues from other agencies. Gavin Dennett stated that Trading Standards Team were well resourced and well respected with grants increased in recognition of the valuable work being carried out.

The Chair referred to the Proceeds of Crime Award against counterfeit handbags and questioned where the other half of the money went once the other half had been given to the Crown. Gavin Dennett said that this money would go to the Council.

The Chair thanked Gavin Dennett and the Trading Standards Team for their outstanding work.

RESOLVED

That the Cleaner Greener and Safer Overview and Scrutiny Committee noted the contents of the report.