Council to increase fly-tipping fines in crackdown

The maximum fines for fly-tipping in County Durham are set for a sharp rise

Fines for fly-tipping, littering and graffiti could more than double in a local authority from next month.

Durham County Council will increase the maximum fixed penalty notice (FPN) for fly-tipping from £400 to £1000, littering from £150 to £250 and graffiti from £100 to £250.

The council decided to scrap discounts for early payments last summer.

Cabinet member Mark Wilkes said the council had "cracked down on environmental offences" by issuing more fines and increasing prosecutions.

"We’re seeing strong results," he added.

"In the last couple of years, we’ve seen the number of fly-tipping cases in the county fall to an all-time low and the rate is now at around half the national average."

Durham County Council says it is about to get "even tougher" on fly tippers

The decision to revise the penalties follows the government's decision to give local councils more power to increase fines.

Other maximum FPN increases include a rise from £300 to £400 for people failing to arrange responsible disposal of their waste.

A new £500 FPN will also be introduced for any repeat littering, graffiti or fly-posting offences, alongside a £600 FPN for repeat household duty of care offences.

Mr. Wilkes said he hoped the higher fines would create a "greater deterrent" and the council would still try and "educate and engage wherever possible".

The new, higher FPNs will come into effect from 1 May 2024.