Stockport Council in Greater Manchester has approved an increase in fines for illegal waste dumping to £550 to help keep local neighbourhoods clean. The new penalty for fly-tipping will go into effect on 31 March 2026, replacing the previous £400 fine for anyone caught leaving rubbish on the streets.
Under the new rules, the fine can be reduced to £400 if the person pays within 14 days. The decision was made by Councillor Dan Oliver, the cabinet member for communities, culture and public protection, following changes from the UK Government that allow local authorities to set higher penalties to deter people from dumping waste.
The borough currently deals with roughly 3,000 incidents of illegal dumping every year, which creates significant cleanup costs for taxpayers. Records show that Stockport has issued very few fines in the past, handing out only four penalties in the 2023-24 period, which is much lower than the numbers seen in nearby Trafford and Tameside.
Local officials stated that while enforcement is a priority, they also plan to focus on education and community work to prevent the problem. The new fine levels are intended to act as a stronger warning to those who blight the area with household waste or other items.
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