Under the new Labour leadership, Stoke-on-Trent City Council is taking a bold step in addressing environmental crimes, announcing a substantial increase in fines for flytipping and littering offences. Underscoring a zero-tolerance stance against those who blight our city with illegal dumping, Stoke-on-Trent is among the first councils to increase fines following new Government guidance.

From January 8th, 2024, fines for various environmental offences will see a sharp hike, with a maximum penalty of £1000. Councillor Amjid Wazir OBE, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Pride, Enforcement, and Sustainability, remarked, “We previously pledged to clear grot spots across the city and worked with communities to educate residents on the correct ways to dispose of their waste. The determination to do something about it is unique to Stoke-on-Trent. The challenge is not unique, but the lack of action from the previous administration certainly was.”

This move comes after eight years of Conservative leadership during which environmental issues were seemingly overlooked. Councillor Jane Ashworth OBE, Leader of the Council, expressed the urgency of the situation, saying, “We are committed to making Stoke-on-Trent a cleaner and more pleasant place for everyone. I don’t want to live in a dirty street, and I don’t want any of our residents to live in dirty streets. These increased fines reflect our determination to rectify the negligence of the previous Conservative administration in Stoke-on-Trent.”

Moreover, in a marked departure from the past, the Labour administration invested an additional £240,000 in June. This substantial funding injection went towards hiring additional enforcement officers and buying new vehicles, demonstrating a proactive approach to combating environmental crimes.

The new fines encompass a range of offences, including fly tipping and littering, with increased penalties for various scenarios. The Council’s commitment to cleaning up the city was evident in the successful 100-day campaign during the summer, focusing on educating residents about proper waste disposal methods and enforcing actions against offenders.

Enforcement officers have already issued 912 fixed penalty notices, with 523 payments made and ongoing investigations for unpaid fines. In recent court proceedings, the Council secured two successful prosecutions against illegal dumpers, marking a shift towards accountability.

Councillor Wazir reinforced the Council’s commitment, stating, “When we said we are taking a zero-tolerance stance, we meant it. Successful prosecutions like these will act as a deterrent for potential offenders. We will remain vigilant, and those caught illegally dumping rubbish in our city will be fined. Following years of Conservative neglect, we would urge everyone in the community to do their bit to keep our streets clean.”

To report incidents of illegal dumping, residents are encouraged to visit www.stoke.gov.uk/illegaldumping.