The Liberal Democrats have called on the government to act to tackle Britain’s “fly-tipping epidemic,” as figures revealed fly-tipping incidents topped a million this year for the first time since 2008.
• Local authorities in England recorded 1,002,154 cases of fly-tipping in 2016-17, up 7% on the previous year. This is equivalent to 114 every hour.
• The estimated cost to the taxpayer for clearing up fly-tipping was £58 million, up 16% on the previous year
• The number of prosecutions for fly-tipping fell by a quarter to 1,602, compared to 2,135 the previous year
Wera Hobhouse MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Communities and Local Government, herself a former Councillor for Norden in Rochdale. commented:
“Britain’s fly-tipping epidemic is spiralling out of control.
“Our roads and countryside are being turned into rubbish dumps, costing the taxpayer millions, but too many fly-tippers are being let off the hook.
“The government needs to do more to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
“Cash-strapped councils need more funding so they can increase bin collections and stop charging people to get rid of large household goods.”
Not surprised fly tipping has increased, they are closing council tips making it more difficult to get rid of large rubbish. I wonder if keeping the tips open is cheaper than cleaning up the fly tipping?