House of Commons · Westminster Hall
26 March 2025 · 4 other contributors · 3,792 words
Opened by Esther McVey Con Tatton
Responding minister: Mary Creagh
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Esther McVey raised concerns about fly-tipping: tatton in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The Government should consider reintroducing measures such as putting points on driving licences for individuals found guilty of fly-tipping, and support local councils to maintain public areas. Additionally, there is a need for tougher penalties and increased enforcement against those who commit this crime.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Local residents frequently report fly-tipping incidents. In 2023-24, there were 1.15 million reported cases of fly-tipping in England, a 6% increase from the previous year. The most common size category was equivalent to a small vanload (31%) and car boot load or less (28%). Residents are upset by the impact on their communities and the difficulty in reporting these incidents.
Highlighted the public's role in reducing fly-tipping by checking the register of waste carriers to avoid environmental criminals.
Noted that Stoke-on-Trent council has issued 4,800 enforcement notices and 1,974 fixed penalty notices with nine prosecutions.
Discussed innovative work being done by Luton council with prosecutions and Wolverhampton council rewarding reports of fly-tipping with gift vouchers.
Suggested using CCTV cameras in areas where fly-tipping occurs regularly to catch perpetrators. This could be a way of addressing the issue alongside other measures. Supported the concerns raised by the lead MP about the increasing incidents of fly-tipping in rural areas and the need for a national strategy on waste disposal.
Government Response
Mary CreaghThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Local councils reported over a million fly-tipping incidents in 2023-24. The Government is committed to tackling this issue through enforcement strategies and seeking powers through the Crime and Policing Bill to provide statutory enforcement guidance for local authorities. Stressed the importance of household waste recycling centres and mentioned that councils decide whether they will continue charging for collection of garden waste. Discussed working with councils to tackle fly-tipping through innovative methods like a Facebook wall of shame in Coventry.