“Councils want courts to look at fly-tipping as an offence first, rather than at the individual and their ability to pay, as well as more use of suspended sentences, or custodial sentences for anyone convicted of a second fly-tipping offence."
Responding to the recent Government announcement on increased fines for fly tipping, littering and graffiti, Cllr Darren Rodwell, environment spokesperson for the Local Government Association said: “It is positive to see Government listening to councils on the need for flexibility and to determine locally whether to increase fines. However, these new powers do not go far enough, councils want to see this cap removed altogether.
“We want to work with Government on reviewing guidance to the courts to ensure the worst offenders face tougher fines, and to ensure councils have the funding needed to investigate and prosecute fly-tippers.
“Councils want courts to look at fly-tipping as an offence first, rather than at the individual and their ability to pay, as well as more use of suspended sentences, or custodial sentences for anyone convicted of a second fly-tipping offence.
“But paramount to all of this is the fact that councils needs a stable financial environment so that they can afford to employ officers to develop litter strategies and put the best local actions in place.”