The government has announced tougher on-the-spot fines for waste criminals.

New legislation will increase the maximum fine for fly-tipping waste to £5,000 and the top fine for littering on streets will also be increased to £750.

The changes will come in this summer and are designed to act as a stronger deterrent and help reduce cases of littering and fly tipping.

The legislation is part of the government’s Waste Crime Action Plan, which sets out a range of measures to stop waste criminals.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: "Fly-tipping and littering is a disgrace that blights local communities.

"Under this government, criminals who break the rules will face heftier fines to clean up the mess they make.

"We are sending a clear message to those who dump their rubbish - we are coming after you and you will pay the price."