Andy Burnham has confirmed a government crackdown on criminal gangs running illegal waste sites, with fines of up to £5,000 being issued to rogue operators. The announcement, made from the Prime Minister's office today, will benefit an estimated 2,900 families who have been harmed by three of the country's most serious illegal waste sites.
Government deploys drones, police and National Crime Agency against waste criminals
The Labour Party government has pledged to use drones, police, the National Crime Agency, and the Environment Agency to target illegal waste sites. These sites, which together contain around 22,000 tonnes of illegally dumped waste, have been blighting communities across the country.
Mr Burnham said: "These toxic dumps have blighted communities for too long. I said we would clean them up – and that's exactly what we're announcing today."
The government is funding the clean-up of three more of the country's most serious illegal waste sites, directly helping the 2,900 families affected by the environmental damage.
Fines increase from £300 to £5,000 for waste offenders
Rogue actors who dump waste illegally or fail to treat it correctly will face fines of up to £5,000, a significant increase from the current maximum of £300. The government is also giving the Environment Agency stronger powers to tackle waste crime.
Mr Burnham added: "The days of making easy money out of waste are over. We're giving authorities the powers to hunt down the people responsible. We will seize their assets and shut their operations down."
These illegal waste sites are often run by serious, organised crime groups, according to the government. The full weight of law enforcement will be put behind this effort, working with local authorities.
Environment Agency strengthens intelligence capabilities
Environment Agency Chief Executive Philip Duffy said: "We know how much damage illegal waste sites do to the communities that live near them."
"By strengthening our intelligence and analysis capability, and working more closely with regional partners, Environment Agency teams across the country will be better placed to stay well ahead of the criminals behind this activity and support the recovery of the places we call home."
Mr Burnham concluded: "These mountains of rubbish have been a clear sign to communities that politics hasn't been working for them or their area. This government is going to tackle the issues that have been ignored by Westminster for too long and bring back hope."
