CALLS are being made for fly-tippers to be handed bigger fines.

Government figures show that local authorities in England dealt with 976,000 fly-tipping incidents in 2019-20, an increase of two per cent from 2018-19.

Just under two thirds, 65 per cent, of fly-tips involved household waste.

Total incidents involving household waste were 632,000 in 2019-20, an increase of seven per cent from 2018-19.

The Local Government Association (LGA) says councils are working hard to try and crack down on offenders.

The number of court fines issued increased by 30 per cent to 2,671 in the same period and the total value rose to £1,090,000 – a seven per cent rise on the previous year.

However, the LGA is calling for sentencing guidelines to be reviewed by the Government so offenders are given bigger fines for more serious offences.

Cllr Tony Higgins (LAB – Fairfield and Howley), Warrington Borough Council’s cabinet member for leisure and community, has repeatedly raised concerns over the issue in his ward.

He said: “During the local elections the biggest single question on the doorstep was about fly-tipping and the problem it brings to communities.

“I know from my very first day back in 2010 that residents are still concerned about this criminal behaviour.

“I absolutely agree with residents when they say they want to see more people prosecuted.

“Law-abiding residents, who follow the rules and do what is needed to remove a bulky item, are rightly angry and I feel that anger.

“I’m obviously pleased that we increased our penalty notices in line with legal limits but I’ve always been a huge supporter of bigger penalties, including jail, for the most serious criminal activities.

“Let’s make no mistake the cost of cleaning up impacts on other more important and vital services and this is ultimately unsustainable.

“It squeezes other budgets, especially the ones that are not seen as important, such as community centre budgets.

“Residents I spoke to during the elections feel rightly angry but with firm actions the message will begin to hit home that fly-tippers will be caught and will be prosecuted.”

But Cllr Higgins was also keen to praise the efforts of volunteers.

He added: “What I have seen is the increase of community volunteers who have picked up a litter picker and bin bag to help clean up not just their own area, but supporting other parts of the town too.

“Volunteers have and continue to make great contributions to our streets and this hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“I’ve been happy to support volunteer groups with bin bags and litter picks and I thank every single volunteer who is creating a cleaner community for all and loving where we live.”