Hackney Council's Corporate Committee has reviewed the annual performance of its Enforcement Service for the financial year 2025-26. The service, which operates across north and south teams supported by ward-based principal officers and uniformed enforcement officers, handles a range of issues including environmental enforcement, obstructions, littering, fly-tipping, anti-social behaviour, and complex noise complaints.
During the 2025-26 financial year, the service issued 1,677 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) across various legislative areas, including the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Highways Act 1980. This represents an increase from the previous year's total of 1,204 FPNs, though it is a decrease from the 3,304 issued in 2023/24. The report attributes the reduction in FPNs from 2024/25 onwards to the exclusion of FPNs issued by other services, a decrease in night-time economy activity, and a reduction in FPNs for illegal street trading due to new criminal offences.
The decrease in FPNs for illegal street trading is attributed to the sale of Nitrous Oxide now being a criminal offence, a change that has led to a reduction in FPNs for this specific type of illegal street trading.
Income from FPNs in 2025/26 was £175,000, a decrease from £225,957 in 2024/25 but an increase from £181,109 in 2023/24.
The report also detailed the service's work in specific areas such as highway obstructions, waste management, and anti-social behaviour (ASB). For highway obstructions, the A-board policy, in place since 2013/14, continues to be enforced, with high levels of compliance reported once businesses are aware of the council's approach. The service also addresses other obstructions like skips, building materials, and overhanging vegetation.
In terms of waste management, officers continue to take enforcement action regarding unregulated waste on estates to encourage behaviour change among residents and businesses. The report notes that an FPN can be issued for a first offence depending on the circumstances.
For ASB, enforcement and principal enforcement officers are responsible for dealing with issues within their nominated wards, working closely with the police, housing associations, and other services. The service utilises powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, including Closure Notices and Orders, Community Protection Warnings and Notices, and Injunctions where necessary. Beyond issuing FPNs, the enforcement service also utilizes Community Protection Warnings/Notices, Closure Notices/Orders, and Criminal Behaviour Orders, as provided for under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. For environmental enforcement, actions include serving formal notices for issues such as waste disposal, littering, and highway obstructions. The outcomes of these actions are not detailed beyond the general aim of behaviour change and improved compliance.
Under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, a Closure Notice prohibits access to premises causing antisocial behaviour for a maximum of 48 hours, requiring application to the Magistrates' Court for confirmation as a Closure Order. A Closure Order can prohibit access for up to three months, with potential extension up to six months. The process involves reasonable belief that a nuisance or disorder is occurring or likely to occur, and that the notice/order is necessary to prevent its occurrence or reoccurrence.
Public reports pack Tuesday 02-Jun-2026 18.30 Corporate Committee
