Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Waste Crime Action Plan

23 March 2026 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Proposed by Mary Creagh Lab Wakefield

Environment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • The government's Waste Crime Action Plan targets illegal waste management in England.
  • The plan includes measures to prevent waste crime and pursue those responsible.
  • A Landfill Tax rebate scheme is introduced to aid in cleaning up illegal waste sites.

Issue summary

The statement addresses the government's Waste Crime Action Plan to combat illegal waste management in England.

Action requested

The plan aims to prevent waste crime, pursue perpetrators, and clean up affected areas. It includes a Landfill Tax rebate scheme for remediation of illegal sites and explores insurance models to protect landowners from costs associated with dumped waste.

Key facts

  • The Environmental Services Association estimates that 20% of all waste in England is illegally managed.
  • Waste crime costs the UK economy £1 billion annually.
  • In 2023-24, at least £150 million was lost due to Landfill Tax evasion.
  • Since taking office, the Labour Government has boosted the Environment Agency’s enforcement budget by 50% and achieved 122 prosecutions in the first 18 months of Parliament.
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