Guildford MP welcomes Bill to tackle rubbish

3.10.30pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 23rd Nov 2004

Sue Doughty MP has welcomed in principle the announcement in the Queen's Speech of a Safe and Clean Neighbourhoods Bill to tackle rubbish.

The Bill as trailed will give local authorities new powers to clamp down on fly-tipping, litter and similar anti-social actions, allowing them to use fixed penalty notices to tackle them.

Sue said:

"Offences such as dog-fouling, graffiti, litter and fly-tipping may be classified as 'low-level', but they can make very many people's lives a misery on a day-to-day basis. In Guildford, we have seen a dramatic increase in fly-tipping, as many local residents have told me, and our local environment is being damaged as a result.

"At least part of this is due to the fact that the Government have failed to ensure there are enough waste facilities in the South East. It is now essential that this Bill provides councils with strong powers to crack down on the waste cowboys who are doing so much damage to the local area and to many people's quality of life.

"There is also some cause for concern about the hints that parish councils will be responsible for levying on-the-spot fines. It should be remembered that much of the country has no parish councils and that parish councils are often small bodies with only a few members and staff. It is not realistic to expect them to take on this kind of burden.

"In general, though, once we clear up the law on fly-tipping, litter and dumping of waste, we can act to clear up our local surroundings. Councils and the Environment Agency must also be provided with the resources they need to use these powers."