Island Labour Calls On Council To Back Government Crackdown On Fly-Tipping

Island Labour is calling on Isle of Wight Council to support the Government’s latest crackdown on fly-tipping, as ministers and the Environment Agency unveil a wide-ranging plan to tackle waste crime.

The new Waste Crime Action Plan sets out a zero-tolerance approach to illegal dumping, with measures aimed at stopping offences before they happen and giving regulators stronger powers to act.

Under the proposals, offenders could be ordered to carry out up to 20 hours of unpaid work cleaning streets and public spaces as part of so-called “clean-up squads”.

They may also be required to cover the cost of removing the waste they have dumped.

Labour says that, if in control locally, it would fully support the Government’s plans on the Isle of Wight.

Labour candidate for Lake North, Jenny Hicks, said:

“Fly-tipping is a filthy scourge on our community and under Labour we just won’t stand for it.

"Here on the Island, a Labour council would take a zero-tolerance approach.

“Nationally, tough new rules will force waste criminals to clean up their own mess and pay for the damage they cause.

"Locally, we would back those plans by all means necessary.

“We want to build a clean, safe and welcoming environment for Islanders and visitors alike – that means cracking down on those who dump rubbish in our communities.”

The crackdown will also see increased enforcement activity, with the Environment Agency stepping up inspections and intervening earlier at suspected illegal waste sites.

The Government has pledged an extra £45 million over the next three years to support this work, significantly increasing the agency’s enforcement budget.

Ministers say fly-tippers will be forced to pay for clearing illegal sites, while local authorities could benefit from a Landfill Tax rebate if they take action to remove waste.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said the plans send a clear message:

“Waste criminals have been damaging our communities, countryside, environment and economy for too long.

"Dump illegally and you will face the full consequences.

“Offenders will be made to join clean-up squads and pay for the damage they cause, while enforcement officers will be given new powers to bring them to justice.”

As part of a wider 10-point strategy, the Environment Agency will also make greater use of restriction notices, allowing illegal operations to be shut down immediately.

Those who ignore the notices could face up to 51 weeks in prison.

The agency will also have powers to suspend or revoke permits for operators found to be handling waste unlawfully.

Chief Executive Philip Duffy said the response to waste crime must “move up a gear”, adding that earlier intervention and stronger enforcement will help protect communities and the environment.

Waste crime is estimated to cost the English economy around £1 billion each year, with around 20% of waste believed to be handled illegally.

Government figures show that between July 2024 and the end of 2025, the Environment Agency secured 122 prosecutions, resulting in 10 immediate prison sentences, and shut down more than 1,200 illegal waste sites.

Since the start of this year, investigations have also led to 15 arrests linked to waste crime.