A report providing an update on the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding available in 2021/22 and the proposal to implement an enhanced graffiti removal policy to tackle graffiti not included within the current Graffiti Removal Policy.  It seeks approval to proceed with the proposed Enhanced Graffiti Removal Policy and to fully commit the available CIL funding to improve the Town’s appearance.

The Executive Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report which gave an update on the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding available in 2021/22 and a proposal to implement an enhanced graffiti removal policy to tackle graffiti not included within the current Graffiti Removal Policy.  The report also sought approval to proceed with the proposed Enhanced Graffiti Removal Policy and to fully commit the available CIL funding to improve the Town’s appearance.  The following documents were appended to the report:

Appendix 1:    Current & Enhanced Graffiti Removal Policy;

Appendix 2:    Proposed list of Enhanced Additional Graffiti sites;

Appendix 3:    Financial Implications Report;

Appendix 4:    Street Art Advisory Panel.

The report explained that the Council proposed that the available CIL funding be used to operate under the current policy guidelines – i.e. gain appropriate permissions to remove graffiti from private property but to increase the size of the free to remove to area from 1m² to 2m².  This would allow for the removal of a maximum of 502 additional pieces of graffiti up to 2m², or multiples thereof to remove any reported graffiti over this size.  These removals would then be recorded on the Love Clean Reading App.  The Council would also make available 20 Community Removal Kits for allocation to local community groups who showed an interest to use on low level graffiti in their local area.  These kits would include the necessary tools and safe chemicals needed to clean off the graffiti.

The report also explained that, following the visit of Banksy to Reading earlier this year, a strong desire from the community had been noted to keep valued street art, should it fit within the policy as set out above.  Appendix 4 to the report set out a proposal to establish a Street Art Advisory Panel to consider and advise on how street art in Reading could be managed and how the definition of graffiti/street art could be updated to better support and inform artists.

Resolved:

(1)      That the current position on Graffiti Boroughwide and the available Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding in 2021/22 be noted;

(2)      That the Enhanced Graffiti Removal Policy set out in Appendices 1 & 2 of the report be approved;

(3)      That the immediate commencement of the Enhanced Graffiti Removal Policy approved;

(4)      That a Street Art Advisory Panel as set out in Appendix 4 to the report be set up.