Sefton Council is planning to step up its fight against fly-tipping and other environmental offences using higher Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) to fine the culprits. 

Raising penalties

Using new, national powers given to councils, Sefton is proposing the following to raise the maximum penalty for fly-tipping from £400 to £1,000 and doubling the maximum penalty for littering from £75 to £150.  

Maximum penalties for Household Waste duty of care breaches would rise from £200 to £500 and from £75 to £100 for dog control breaches.  

At their meeting next week, Sefton Council’s Cabinet members will be asked to approve these proposed increases.   

Blights our communities

Cllr Peter Harvey, Cabinet Member for Cleansing and Street Scene, said:  “Fly-tipping and littering blights our communities and cost taxpayers thousands of pounds each year.  

“These proposals are part of our fight to protect our Borough’s streets, parks, and public spaces - to make Sefton a cleaner, safer and more attractive place for everyone.  

“Despite our robust policy of enforcement, which has resulted in a number of people having to pay Fixed Penalty Notices or fines, complaints about fly-tipping and littering have remained high.” 

In 2024 alone, thousands of reports were made about rubbish being dumped illegally. 

Action is needed

Cllr Harvey continued:  
“It’s clear that stronger action is needed to deter people from committing the crime in the first place and these new, higher maximum penalties will help to do that.”   

“By increasing these penalties, we aim to send a clear message that environmental crime will not be tolerated in Sefton. If these tougher penalties do not deter culprits, we will hit them in their pocket, so they learn the lesson that it’s cheaper to play by the rules. 

These changes will help to ensure we create a borough which is both cleaner and greener for our residents.”  

Tackle environmental crime

These changes bring Sefton in line with those being introduced by other councils like Liverpool, who have increased penalties to tackle environmental crime.  

The Council understands that penalties need to be fair and proportionate. But also, to provide a real deterrent to offenders. Anyone who fails to pay an FPN could face prosecution in court and risk a criminal conviction.  

If approved, the new penalty levels will come into effect later this year.  

People can report fly-tipping in Sefton and find out more at Fly-Tipping and how to report it.