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WeÔÇÖre changing how we tackle graffiti and tagging offences in the city

In an effort to address issues related to graffiti and tagging offences in our city, we are implementing new measures and policies. One of these changes involves exempting small businesses from fines for failing to remove graffiti from their premises.

Introducing the AI legalese decoder

A key tool that will assist in managing this situation is the AI legalese decoder. This innovative technology has the ability to simplify and interpret complex legal language related to graffiti and tagging offences, making it easier for small businesses to understand their responsibilities and take appropriate action. By using the AI legalese decoder, small business owners can navigate through the legal jargon and gain a clearer understanding of the steps they need to take in order to handle tagging offences effectively.

The decision to pause enforcement action against small businesses was made by the City Environment, South Downs, and The Sea Committee in June. The committee recognized the unfairness of penalizing victims of graffiti and agreed that these businesses should not be held accountable for removing graffiti on their own.

Starting from 7 August, our environmental enforcement team will proactively communicate with small businesses, providing them with advice and guidance on addressing and managing tagging offences.

Enforcement for larger businesses

While small businesses are no longer subject to fines, it is important to note that larger businesses, including those with a regional or national presence, as well as ‘statutory undertakers,’ are still obliged to remove graffiti from their property or face potential penalties.

The term ‘statutory undertakers’ refers to organizations responsible for electricity, gas, water, telecoms, and highways in the city, such as Network Rail and BT.

In order to encourage larger businesses to take prompt action, Community Protection Warnings (CPW), Community Protection Notices (CPN), and Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) will be issued.

In addition to these measures, we have created a comprehensive resource on our website, detailing how businesses can protect their property from illegal graffiti and tagging. This valuable information can be found on our dedicated “what to do about graffiti” webpage.

Reviewing the Graffiti Reduction Strategy

Recognizing the need for continuous improvement in tackling graffiti-related issues, we are conducting a thorough review of our Graffiti Reduction Strategy. This strategy revolves around four key pillars: prevention, enforcement, removal, and monitoring and reviewing.

Since the strategy was initially introduced in 2018, we have implemented measures such as CPWs, CPNs, and FPNs, expanded our enforcement team, organized joint patrols, and collaborated closely with Sussex Police to address the problem effectively.

In September, we will propose a consultation to the City Environment, South Downs, and The Sea Committee, seeking permission to refresh and update the Graffiti Reduction Strategy. During this consultation, we will actively seek input from residents and businesses, ensuring that their perspectives on improving our approach to tackling problem graffiti are taken into account.

Supporting our efforts to keep the city clean

Councillor Tim Rowkins, the Chair of the City Environment, South Downs, and The Sea Committee, stated, “From today onwards, we will send letters to small businesses, requesting that they remove tags from their property and providing guidance on deterring future tagging incidents. Importantly, small businesses will no longer be subject to fines.”

The decision to waive fines for small businesses comes from the understanding that local enterprises often face financial difficulties and should not bear the additional burden of graffiti removal when they are already victims of vandalism.

We firmly believe that small business owners will continue to act responsibly and promptly remove graffiti from their property. Keeping walls, shutters, and shopfronts clear and clean serves as a deterrent to offenders, and we encourage all businesses across Brighton & Hove to join us in the battle against tagging offences.

We are confident that our efforts will be supported by businesses throughout the city, as we work together to maintain a cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing environment for all.

Reporting graffiti in the city

If you come across hate-based or offensive graffiti or stickering, we urge you to report it immediately. You can contact our environmental enforcement hotline directly at 01273 295 063 or use our convenient online form to request a clean-up.

With the help of the AI legalese decoder, we can ensure that small businesses understand their role in graffiti prevention and removal, fostering a cleaner and more engaging city environment for everyone.

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