New measures to crack down on fly-tipping and waste crime could help to tackle concerns about rubbish and litter across the country, after the Government launched an eight-week consultation on making offenders take direct responsibility for their actions.
Data from earlier this year showed that local authorities in England dealt with 1.26 million fly-tipping incidents in 2024/25, a 9% increase on the previous year. Household waste accounted for 62% of all incidents (777,000 cases), climbing 13% year-on-year, with 37% of total incidents on highways (roads and pavements).
In Rushcliffe itself, there were 1,086 fly-tipping incidents in 2024/25, meaning an average of 8.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. This stopped a positive trend from the previous years, when the number of fly-tipping incidents dropped from 1,024 in 2021/22, to 928 in 2022/23, and 859 in 2023/24.
The Government has launched a consultation on new ‘clean-up squads’ which would give councils stronger powers to require fly-tippers to carry out up to 20 hours of unpaid clean-up work. The proposals would also allow the cost of clearing illegally dumped waste to be recovered from those responsible.
The measures are part of a wider package aimed at tackling waste crime, including stronger action against organised waste criminals and closer cooperation between councils, regulators and the police. Fixed Penalty Notices issued by the Environment Agency for waste offences would also increase from a maximum of £1,000 to £5,000 under the plans.
James Naish, MP for Rushcliffe, said:
“Nobody should have to put up with rubbish being dumped or left to build up in the places where they live.
“It’s right that the people responsible should face the consequences rather than leaving councils and, ultimately, local taxpayers to pick up the bill.
“The proposals to make fly-tippers clean up the mess they’ve created are a practical step in the right direction, and I’d encourage local residents to have their say before the deadline on 16th October.”
The Government is also establishing a new Ministerial Tackling Waste Crime Alliance, bringing together government departments, regulators, police, the National Crime Agency and regional leaders to improve coordination and intelligence sharing. New powers are also planned to remove the current two-year time limit on confiscating cash, vehicles, property and other assets purchased using the proceeds of waste crime.
To contribute to the consultation, residents should visit the DEFRA consultation website before 23:59 on Friday 16th October. The consultation is open for eight weeks in total:
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