Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The issue of fly-tipping is a significant problem across North Warwickshire and Bedworth, with thousands of incidents reported annually, particularly affecting rural areas. The farming community often bears the brunt of these costs.
I welcome the Minister to his place. Fly-tipping is a huge problem across North Warwickshire and Bedworth, with thousands of incidents every year, particularly in rural areas where the farming community is left to bear the brunt of many of the costs. We are lucky to have a dedicated rural crime team who do amazing work helping to tackle the issue, but will the Minister give an update on the progress of the national rural crime unit in tackling the scourge on our communities?
I am very happy to pay tribute to the dedicated Warwickshire rural crime team, which does fantastic work in that area. The Government are funding a new fly-tipping post in the national rural crime unit to optimise the role that the police can take in tackling fly-tipping in rural areas. We have also confirmed reforms to waste carrier registration and the introduction of digital waste tracking.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The issue of fly-tipping involves unscrupulous skip companies filling skips that do not reach legitimate waste disposal sites. The questioner suggests the use of new tracking technology to address this problem.
Does the Minister agree that a real problem with fly-tipping is skips? Unscrupulous and dodgy skip companies allow their skips to be filled and then, mysteriously, those skips do not end up in a legitimate place for waste. Will he look at the new technology we could have? I believe every skip should have a gizmo that tracks where it came from and where it is going.
I will welcome innovation when it comes to dealing with waste crime. The Government are already taking action by awarding £1.2 million to help councils purchase equipment to tackle fly-tipping. Our digital waste tracking system makes it easier for authorities to identify unauthorised waste disposal.
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Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Scottish constituency of Angus faces significant fly-tipping issues, affecting communities and farmers. The questioner questions whether the £1.2 million allocated is sufficient for Scotland's needs.
Angus is known as the garden of Scotland—the Minister knows Angus well—but we have a fly-tipping blight that is deeply concerning for our communities. Farmers do their best to clear up those messes, but it is not just commercial fly-tippers taking an opportunity; other people avoid proper refuse centres. Can the Minister assure the House that £1.2 million is enough? The Barnettised share of that for Scotland does not amount to very much. Will he redouble efforts?
Like me, the hon. Gentleman will be frustrated by fly-tipping in our beautiful countryside. We are working with the National Farmers Union and counterparts in Scotland to share good practice. A new post within the national crime unit is funded to explore how police can better tackle fly-tipping in rural areas.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific financial commitment or redoubled efforts not provided
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