20,000 fly-tipping incidents for councils a week

Fly-tipping statistics for England show that local authorities were forced to clear up just under one million fly-tipping incidents, from tarmac and asbestos, to tyres and even a boat, last year.

The figures have prompted the Local Government Association to warn that almost 20,000 incidents of fly-tipping occur every week in England and urge for sentencing guidelines to be reviewed by the government, so that offenders are given bigger fines for more serious offences.

The number of court fines issued increased by 30 per cent to 2,671 in 2019/20 and the total value rose to £1,090,000 - a seven per cent rise on the previous year.

David Renard, Environment spokesperson for the LGA, said: “Fly-tipping is inexcusable. It is not only an eyesore for residents, but a serious public health risk, creating pollution and attracting rats and other vermin. It also costs local taxpayers almost £50 million a year to clear up which could be better spent on other vital services in our communities.

“Councils are determined to crack down on the problem. However, prosecuting fly-tippers often requires time-consuming and laborious investigations, with a high threshold of proof. With 20,000 incidents of fly-tipping a week, it is time the government looks at its sentencing guidelines to ensure that those caught and prosecuted for fly-tipping receive significant fines that are recovered quickly to deter them from spoiling our parks, highways and verges again, and to help offset the huge costs to councils.”