Litter fine enforcers told to share cash with councils

LITTER fine increases must benefit councils rather than ending up in the hands of private contractors, campaigners have urged.

Yesterday, the maximum charge councils can levy for littering was almost doubled, from £80 to £150.

But there are concerns the extra income will go to private firms, not cashstrapped local authorities.

One in seven councils subcontract litter enforcement to firms that use the fines to pay staff. Some firms keep 100 per cent of the revenue.

In Blackpool during a trial last year, 3GS Environmental Solutions handed out 1,600 fines totalling £127,280, none of which went to the council.

In Bournemouth, fines increased 20fold after 3GS was given a trial contract in 2015-16.

John Beesley, leader of Bournemouth council, said yesterday: “We’ll keep it under review. Our first priority is to prevent people littering.”

The Taxpayers’ Alliance said: “Councils should leap at this opportunity and renegotiate these contracts. If 3GS can make a profit keeping 100 per cent of an £80 fine, they should be perfectly happy with 50 per cent of a £150 fine.”

The Countryside Alliance said: “They [the fines] should not be seen as a cash cow for private contractors.”

Clearing up litter costs the taxpayer around £800million a year.

We all hate litter; so the increase in the fine for dropping rubbish in the streets is to be welcomed, if it acts as a deterrent. However, louts who are willing to risk an £80 penalty for throwing away a food carton or a crisp packet are unlikely to stay their hands because the sum has gone up to £150. Catching them in the act is still necessary; and while some are fined on the spot, they are often the easiest of targets rather than the persistent offenders.

There is also a cultural issue here. Governments have for years tried to hold back the tide of litter, which has worsened as more and more goods are sold in unnecessary packaging. Eating in the streets, in cars or on public transport has become more widespread with the massive increase in the number of fast-food outlets.

Throwing rubbish from vehicles will be the responsibility of the driver even if the passenger was the perpetrator, which will again rely on the littering being witnessed or reported. It is estimated that clearing up the mess costs councils in England alone some £800 million a year. Nonetheless, taxpayers expect their streets to be cleaned and local authorities should resist cutting one service the public regards as a priority.

While there is no excuse for littering, the temptation to do so is stronger if the streets are already filthy, or when there are not enough bins and those that do exist are overflowing with rubbish. Children also need to be encouraged to develop an attitude that sees dropping litter as unacceptable. Deposit schemes for plastic bottles should help in this regard, and other creative and innovative measures are required. Heavy fines will be needed less if those who think nothing of tossing a beer can into the street discover their action is a social taboo among their peers.