Context
Waste crime, particularly fly-tipping, is a significant issue affecting local communities and the environment. Rural areas are disproportionately affected by these crimes.
Question
What steps her Department is taking to tackle organised waste crime? Fly-tipping in particular is an issue that costs our local councils and landowners hundreds of thousands pounds annually to clear up, with rural communities particularly affected. Just last week, the village of Austrey in my constituency was targeted yet again.
Answer from Theresa Villiers
Over the past six years, we have invested £60 million in measures to tackle waste crime. Last month, we launched a joint unit for waste crime, led by the Environment Agency, including the National Crime Agency, HMRC and the police. This new unit will help us crack down on serious and organised crime in the waste sector. We are giving local authorities additional powers through our Environment Bill to tackle fly-tipping. We have also enhanced their powers to search and seize vehicles involved in this menace and granted them power to issue fixed penalty notices.
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