Fines for fly-tipping, graffiti and littering set to be discussed by Executive
12 December 2024
Next week’s meeting of North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive will receive an update on proposals to increase fines for a variety of environmental crimes, including up to £1000 for fly-tipping.
Changes to national regulations were introduced by the previous Government in July 2023 and NNC are looking at the best way forward for Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) for Environmental Crime Offences.
It is proposed that fines are increased to the new maximum levels - which could see a maximum fine of up to £1000 for fly-tipping, alongside changes to fines for littering, graffiti, fly-posting and household waste duty of care.
We know how much of an impact littering, fly-tipping and environmental crimes have on communities across North Northants and council teams work hard to combat the issues.Cllr Matt Binley, the council’s Executive Member for Highways, Travel and Assets
It is important that we consider this report carefully, looking at the changes in national regulations and the impact of an increase to Fixed Penalty Notices - which would hopefully make people think twice before committing environmental crimes.
The council has noticed an increase in cases where unsuspecting members of the public have been prosecuted due to using an unregistered waste carrier and are using this as an opportunity to remind residents to use licensed carriers or risk a fine.
If the report is approved, anyone found using an unlawful waste carrier could still be fined, whilst the unlawful waste carrier would also be fined up to £1,000.
Fines like this are always used as part of a wider toolbox of enforcement measures, which we hope act as a deterrent.Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council
But we also don’t want residents to get caught out and ask that you make sure you are using a registered waste carrier or risk a large fine - an amount which could be a lot more than the fee you would have paid by using a registered waste carrier.
Waste Carriers must be registered with the Environment Agency and be in possession of a Waste Carrier Licence which they will be able to show on request. They must also provide a waste transfer note outlining where and when the rubbish was disposed of. If anyone suspects that a person offering a waste removal service is operating unlawfully they can contact the council’s Waste team by emailing [email protected].
Any changes to fines would be publicised through North Northamptonshire channels. More information about fly-tipping, including how to report it and how to dispose of waste responsibly is available on the council website.
Please note that this item was previously discussed at the October meeting of North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive but was deferred.
The Executive will meet on Thursday 19 December at the Corby Cube at 10am. The meeting will be live streamed on YouTube and the papers are now available online.