In accordance with
the Constitution, a Member may
ask the Leader, the Chair of the Council or a Committee Chair, a question on any
matter in relation to which the Council has powers or duties or which affects
the Borough.
One question has
been received.
Minutes:
In accordance with the
requirements of the Constitution, the following question was received from
Councillor Lumley:
‘Fly tipping across the
Borough has increased significantly over the past few years, as an example, in
my Ward (Newport Ward). There was
continuous fly tipping on the Algernon Road Car Park and on Scalford
Brook. Recently announced CCTV projects
would have been useful on the Algernon Road Car Park (as lobbied on for a number of years). I
have been in contact with the Environment Agency on a regular basis concerning Scalford Brook, asking them to clear fly tips affecting the
water course. Can Cabinet consider significantly reducing or make complimentary
the bulk waste collection charge on items for a trial period to see if this
reduces fly tipping rates. This has been
trialled at other councils across the UK and there have been successful
outcomes. This could also successfully reduce our overall high fly tipping
collection costs?’
The Portfolio Holder for
Climate, Access and Engagement provided the following response:
‘Our records show that
whilst there has been an increase in fly tipping, it has not been a steep
increase and fly tipping cases have remained at between 30-40 cases per
month. However, we have seen a change in
the type of material that is fly tipped, with a slight increase in builders rubble and DIY materials. It is believed that this may be due to
household waste sites introducing charges for DIY materials (per kg) for
disposal. Government are
currently consulting with disposal authorities on the possibility of removing
those charges in the future with the aim to reduce fly tipping.
We are aware of fly tipping
hotspots in the Borough including Algernon Road Car Park, Bentley Street
garages and Beckmill Court garages. Where fly tipping occurs, we work closely
with Biffa to ensure it is removed as quickly as possible. When fly tipping takes place, the Council
does try to identify the source and will take enforcement action where
possible.
In terms of bulky waste collections,
the Council provides a collection service to domestic properties for bulky
household items that are too big to put in a domestic bin. This can be arranged via the Customer
Services Team, or via the Council’s website.
The fee for collection and disposal of up to five items is £34.28. There is a separate fee for white goods. The Council already offers discounted rates
to people in receipt of Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support
and can advise customers on eligibility for discounted fees on a case by case basis.
Data since January 2021, recorded on the Council’s Customer Services
platform shows that on average, we receive 112 bulky waste collection requests
per month. The Council’s website also
includes advice on other ways to dispose appropriately of bulky items.
As Portfolio Holder, I am
not supportive of reducing or cancelling the bulky waste collection fee, as
this is an important way in which to offset the costs for collection and
disposal. However, the Council has already
committed resource and focus to this important area of work. Over the past 12 months MBC have issued 5
Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) for fly tipping related offences. Three of the fixed penalty fees were
paid. Where FPNs remain unpaid, the
Council is taking action through the courts. Additionally, over the last 12 months, the
Council has successfully prosecuted 3 fly tipping related offences. The Council also has an ongoing court case and the Council has recently purchased 5 CCTV units
which we begin to deploy in hot spot areas in the near future.
Fly tipping is a serious
criminal offence. It is unacceptable and
this Council will continue to seek prosecutions and pursue the biggest fines
and sanctions possible. I will ensure
that we continue to raise awareness of the services available to the public
such as the bulky waste collection service and also to
remind people of their responsibilities in relation to waste disposal (duty of
care), including where people are disposing of waste on their behalf. I am confident that officers will continue to
communicate proactively with residents in relation to responsible and
appropriate disposal of waste and also where we take
enforcement action to address fly tipping and other antisocial behaviour.’
Councillor Lumley asked the
following supplementary question:
‘The Department for Food and
Rural Affairs on behalf of the Government have recently announced that it will
look into a scheme to allow waste sites across the country to accept masonry based product, such as bathtubs and
plasterboards. Can the Portfolio Holder
give an update on this?’
The Portfolio Holder for Climate,
Access and Engagement provided the following response:
‘I would be happy to gather
the relevant information and provide an answer on this to all Councillors,
outside this meeting, as this is a very important issue.’
Councillor Higgins commented
that fly tipping had increased by 17% (from 2019 to 2022) and requested that
the Council lobby Leicestershire County Council to re-open the household
recycling centres at Bottesford and Somerby.