Fly-tipping fines doubled across Newcastle-under-Lyme and enforcement officers are being handed more powers to fine criminals who blight communities.

This comes as fly-tipping is on the increase with 740 incidents reported in 2021/2022 and 775 in 2022/2023 throughout the Borough. 

Currently the fine for fly-tipping in Newcastle is £200 which is reduced to £120 for early payment. However councillors want this increasing to match Stoke-on-Trent which would double the fine to £400.

The council on top of the £400 fixed penalty notice also intend to charge individuals the cost of cleaning up the rubbish.

Councillor Rupert Adcock told the Licensing and Public Protection Committee: "Fly-tipping is becoming increasingly an issue and I think it is right that the fine does need to match the increase in the crime."

However he did question whether residents who leave waste out for the rag and bone man to collect would be subject to a fine.

Councillors also want to charge individuals for the cost of cleaning up the rubbish (LDRS).

As well as fines for fly-tipping increasing, enforcement officers will be trained across multiple areas of enforcement. Whereas before some officers might have been limited to one area of enforcement this multi discipline training will allow more fines to be handed out.

Council officers also announced a substantial education package which will emphasise what the council expects from residents in terms of their duty of care in disposing of waste.

Councillors have agreed to review the fly-tipping policy, however changes in fine levels won't come into force until April 2024.

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