Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the adequacy of the level of protection provided to farmers and landowners who report organised waste crime.

The Government recognises the impact that organised waste crime can have on farmers, landowners and local communities, including the challenges faced by those who come forward to report it.

While the Home Secretary has not held recorded discussions with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the specific issue of protections for farmers and landowners who report organised waste crime, the Home Office supports Defra's work in this area through membership of the Waste Crime Crackdown Group, which brings together partners to strengthen coordination and collective action.

Anyone who suspects illegal waste activity should report it to the Environment Agency’s incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

We understand that concerns about harassment, intimidation or threats may deter some farmers and landowners from reporting organised waste crime. Nevertheless, reporting such offending is important, and I would encourage anyone with information about suspected criminality to come forward. Anyone with concerns about their safety should contact their local police force in the first instance. The police will assess any reported risks on a case-by-case basis and, where appropriate, take safeguarding or enforcement action. Where necessary, matters may be escalated for further consideration. Protections available to the public include the UK Protected Persons Service (UKPPS), which is housed within the National Crime Agency and provides protection to individuals judged to be at risk of serious harm where the arrangements required are not available through the local police force or referring agency.