House of Commons · Adjournment Debate
06 January 2026 · 4 other contributors
Opened by Calum Miller LD Bicester and Woodstock
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Calum Miller raised concerns about river cherwell clearing illegal waste 2026-01-06 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
It is my privilege to represent a beautiful part of England’s countryside... [Full speech omitted for brevity, but includes the problem of illegal waste dumping, its impact on the environment and local community, the need for immediate action, and requests for funding and policy changes.]
I did not realise that the A34 goes through the hon. Gentleman’s constituency, as it does mine—we will have to do a road trip some time. I congratulate him on his excellent speech.
Supports the lead MP's concerns about illegal waste dumping and highlights similar issues in his constituency.
Asked if the public can check an online database for permits.
Inquired about funding, particularly whether additional £5.6 million is permanent in the budget.
Government Response
Thank you, Calum Miller, for raising this important issue in your constituency... [Full minister response omitted for brevity, but includes acknowledgment of the issue, confirmation of ongoing actions by the Environment Agency to address the dumping, funding announcements (£X million), policy commitments on waste crime reporting and enforcement, plans for further resources allocation, and reassurances about environmental protection measures.] Waste crime blights communities and damages the environment. The Government are committed to tackling waste crime through reforms including changes in carrier, broker and dealer regimes, digital waste tracking, and increased funding for Environment Agency enforcement (£15.6 million). For Kidlington site: investigation ongoing with samples being forensically examined by January end; strategic and tactical groups set goals and implement clearance plan; prep work to start shortly with expected clearance in February; 24-hour surveillance installed; public safety prioritised; no running commentary on police investigations but Minister vigorously pursuing all avenues. Digital waste tracking system phased in this year, expanding to carriers by 2027. The Minister acknowledged the issue of illegal waste dumping and outlined several reforms including a permitted system instead of the current light-touch registration, tougher background checks for operators, mandatory technical competence for permit holders, and replacing exemptions with full environmental permits for high-risk areas. She also discussed the Environment Agency’s increased budget for tackling waste crime, consultations on a 10% levy to generate additional funding, and measures such as digitising records and implementing fire risk assessments at illegal sites. The minister emphasised that her aim is not to spend more taxpayer money but to prevent crimes through better regulation and enforcement, aiming for long-range planning in future budgets. She clarified the current process of checking permits online and addressed specific questions about flood risks, pollution monitoring, and site clearance timelines. We continue to work with the Treasury on the best approach to fiscal policies to tackle and reduce waste crime. The joint unit for waste crime is a UK-wide partnership, working with the Environment Agency, HMRC, the National Crime Agency, the police and others. It shares intelligence, powers and resources to disrupt waste criminals. The unit, which was launched in 2024 and uses proceeds of crime action and asset freezes, has doubled in size thanks to our extra funding. Anyone with intelligence about waste crime can report it to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. My message to our constituents around the country is that waste crime is an absolute top priority for the Government. My message to the waste criminals is we are coming for you and we are going to shut you down. My message to the legitimate waste operators is thank you for your work maintaining safe, healthy and clean environments in our towns and putting pride in our places. Let us all ensure that we work together to create a truly circular economy in which this sort of terrible crime is unthinkable and its perpetrators are put out of business.