It comes after council bosses ‘declared war’ on fly-tipping.
Litter in Manchester(Image: Manchester City Council)
Council bosses in Manchester are increasing fines for fly-tipping to the ‘absolute legal limit’ in a ‘landmark’ move to crackdown on illegal dumping.
Offenders who are caught will soon face being slapped with a £1,000 penalty rather than the previous lower amount of £700.
The council ‘declared war’ on fly-tipping earlier this year and said the hike in fines is part of its plan to clean up Manchester’s streets.
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Councillor Basat Sheikh, who is in charge of neighbourhood matters in the city, said: “Illegal dumping is not a minor nuisance. It is a selfish crime that ruins communities, drains public money from essential services, and disrespects hardworking residents.
“By raising fines to the absolute legal limit, we are sending a clear message. If you trash our city, we will come after you.”
The increase in fines is hoped to make fly-tipping a ‘rare’ occurrence rather than a regular problem in Manchester.
In the last 12 months nearly 18,000 fly-tipping incidents were recorded in the city, leading to the removal of more than 5,000 tonnes of waste.
A total of 992 fines were dished out for waste deposits in the same period, the council said.
Town hall chiefs want to make fly-tipping a ‘rare’ event in Manchester(Image: Jason Roberts / Manchester Evening News)
As well as enforcement action, the plan to stop fly-tipping includes encouraging people to join local clean-up projects and environmental action schemes, as well as education about the issue.
The council’s aim is to cut fly-tipping incidents by a third by 2035.
Under the new system of £1,000 fines, those who pay within 10 days will be eligible for a reduced payment of £700, with the full amount payable within 14 days.
The decision is subject to approval by the council’s executive team.
Councillor Sheikh added: “Earlier this year, we declared war on fly-tipping in Manchester. Today, we are backing those words with serious action.
“Residents have made it clear they want cleaner streets and neighbourhoods they can be proud of. We are drawing a firm line.
“Education and community outreach remain important, but we will not hesitate to use every enforcement tool available. There are no excuses for dumping rubbish.
“Everyone has a part to play in keeping Manchester clean, green, and welcoming. Those who ignore the rules will face the full weight of the law.”