Fines for environmental offences in Northumberland are set to increase and cover a greater number of issues, the county council has confirmed. 
 

The council wants to ensure that Northumberland is a clean and vibrant county and that people spoiling the environment should face the consequences of their actions. 

The council issues FPNs for various environmental offences including, dog control/dog fouling, littering, fly-tipping, nuisance parking, abandoning a vehicle, consuming alcohol in public spaces, and graffiti. 

This week, Northumberland County Council’s cabinet agreed to consolidate all its fixed penalty notices (FPNs) for environment related transgressions, which are being charged in line with government guidelines. 

All fines will now be charged at £100, reduced to £80 for payment within 7 days, with the exception of those caught littering who will incur a higher fine of £150, reduced to £100 if paid within 7 days. 
 

And in an effort to cut down on fly tipping, the authority has also introduced new fines for householders who fail in their Duty of Care when disposing of their waste and the waste is dumped in the county. These fines will be charged at £400, reduced to £300 if paid within 7 days. 

In light of these new fines, residents are again being reminded not to fall for a growing criminal scam in which they pay, in good faith, to have their waste taken away by people posing as legitimate waste collectors, but who then, to avoid costs, go on to fly-tip the very material they were being paid to dispose of correctly. 

Residents employing a waste removal firm should always make a note of the registration number of the vehicle used and ask to see a waste carrier’s licence issued by the Environment Agency, taking a note or photo of the relevant licence number. 

This is really important as if residents make the mistake of employing an unlicensed waste carrier and they dump their waste illegally – then the resident will be fined. 

Councillor Gordon Stewart, cabinet member for Looking after our Communities said:  

“Fly-tipping, littering, and dog fouling can have a huge impact on Northumberland’s streets. Invariably, taxpayers end up footing the bill to clean up after other people’s irresponsibility. 

“Fixed Penalty Notice levels have not changed since 2017 so we want to take stronger action against those who commit these types of environmental crimes. 

“Our teams clear up on average in the region of 350 fly-tips each month – and we pursue the offenders through the courts. The onus really is on householders to ensure they employ a reputable waste carrier to collect their waste. 

“We hope these revised fines will have a positive effect on the county’s environment, particularly when it comes to reducing fly-tipping and littering.” 
 

Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) make up the majority of the council’s environmental enforcement activity as an alternative to expensive prosecutions, ensuring that straightforward cases do take up too much council time or burden the courts. 
 

The council’s new Environmental Policy clearly also sets out procedures for Vulnerable Adults and Children and Young People ensuring that they are dealt with correctly and according to the Law.  

 

How to check a waste carrier is reputable: 

Visit the Environment Agency’s waste carrier register: nland.cc/waste and enter the business name, or search for licensed waste operators near you