Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department plans to strengthen local authorities' powers to tackle fly-tipping; and if he will make a statement.

The Government is committed to tackling fly-tipping and we work closely with local authorities and the Local Government Association through the National Fly-tipping Prevention Group (NFTPG).

It is the responsibility of local authorities to use the full range of enforcement powers available to them to tackle fly-tipping. We have recently strengthened these powers by introducing fixed penalty notices for small scale fly-tipping and enhancing the ability of local authorities to search and seize vehicles of suspected fly-tippers. The NFTPG has published guidance which sets out clearly the powers available to local authorities when tackling fly-tipping.

Earlier this year we consulted on proposals to introduce a new fixed penalty for householders who pass their waste to a fly-tipper. We also intend to provide updated guidance for householders about how to ensure their waste is disposed of correctly. Subject to Parliamentary approval, we will seek to implement the changes later this year. As two thirds of fly-tipping contains household waste, these additional measures will give local authorities another tool to tackle fly-tipping.