Sharp increase in fly-tipping cases

THE number of fly-tipping incidents across Oldham has risen to more than 1,200 in only 12 months.

Figures show there were 1,243 fly-tipping incidents in Oldham in 2010/11 up from 1,096 in 2009/10, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs .

More than three-quarters of the incidents were of household waste. Action was taken against 3,961 people (some accumulated from previous years) and council chiefs successfully prosecuted 13 people in the 12-month period.

Nationally, incidents decreased by 13.5 per cent across England to 820,000 and 2,400 people prosecuted.

The Government will introduce stronger powers for local authorities and the Environment Agency to seize vehicles suspected of involvement in fly-tipping and is considering whether current fine levels are tough enough. Magistrates can impose five-year jail terms and illegal tippers can be ordered to forfeit their cars or be banned from driving.

The estimated cost of clearance by local authorities in 2010-11 was £41.3 million, a reduction of £4.5 million or 9.8 per cent compared with 2009-10. Councils spent another £20.6 million on enforcement action.