Fly-tippers will be forced to clean up our communities and pay
the costs of clearing up their mess under government plans for
clean up squads', launched for consultation today (20 August
2026).
The proposals would give councils stronger powers to issue
conditional cautions requiring offenders to complete up to 20
hours of unpaid clean-up work. Councils will also be able to
recover the costs of the clean-up directly from offenders,
ensuring taxpayers are not left to foot the bill.
The proposals aim to speed up enforcement so that criminals face
justice quicker without lengthy court proceedings, while
restoring streets and public spaces.
Environment Secretary Dame said:
If you fly-tip it, you should be the one cleaning it up and
paying for it. It's that simple.
Fly-tippers show a blatant disregard for our communities, leaving
residents to live with the mess they create.
I want to give councils new powers to make offenders take
responsibility for their actions, by helping to clear up the
communities they have harmed and covering the cost of putting
things right.
The clean-up squads' are the latest measure to bolster local
authorities and give them the tools they need to tackle
fly-tipping.
The measures build on action announced in July to
increase the maximum on-the-spot fines for fly-tipping to
£5,000, a 400% uplift from the previous level of £1,000.
Local authorities have also been given clear
instructions on identifying and seizing vehicles
involved in fly-tipping with new government guidance. The guidance
includes advice on taking cases to court and securing
convictions against vehicle owners.
Further measures announced today in the fight against
waste crime include a new Tackling
Waste Crime Alliance to unite government,
regulators, police and councils against waste criminals, and
a review into raising the level of Fixed Penalty Notices issued
by the Environment Agency for waste crime offences.
This consultation will run
for 8 weeks and end on 23:59 16 October 2026.
