South Gloucestershire Council has passed a cross-party motion to bolster its efforts to tackle fly-tipping across the district, recognising the environmental harm, public health risks and financial burden it places on communities and council taxpayers.
The motion, which received unanimous support at the meeting of Full Council on 17 July, highlights the local authority’s strong track record in prosecuting fly-tipping offences and outlines a series of new actions to further deter waste-offences, and protect the local environment.
Councillors acknowledged that while South Gloucestershire continues to report fly-tipping incidents below the national average, the issue remains a top concern for residents.
South Gloucestershire Council has a zero-tolerance approach to fly-tipping and always looks to prosecute fly-tippers rather than issue fixed penalty notices (FPNs). By prosecuting offenders and pursuing the matter through the courts, the council can publicise the outcome, deter offenders and recoup the costs incurred during the investigation.
The Council secured 16 successful court prosecutions in 2024/25, generating nearly £50,000 in fines. However, under current legislation these fines are paid to central government rather than reinvested locally.
The motion calls for:
• A joint letter from the leaders of the council’s three political groups to the Government, requesting a change in the law to allow councils to retain the proceeds of fly-tipping prosecutions and for Environmental Enforcement services to be reclassified from Discretionary to Statutory Services. (This would ensure greater protection and prioritisation of these vital services)
• A scrutiny-led investigation into the root causes of fly-tipping in South Gloucestershire, to inform more effective and targeted prevention strategies.
• A new communications campaign to raise awareness of the environmental damage caused by fly-tipping and the penalties for those caught offending.
Leader of the Council and Liberal Democrat Group, Councillor Maggie Tyrrell, said: “Fly tipping is a scourge on our district and as a council we have a strong track record on fighting this every way possible – this can be shown in our numbers in comparison to other areas. This motion unites us all in pledging that we will continue to prioritise work in this area and seeks to investigate all possible avenues where we could make changes. Fly tipping is a blight and needs to be stamped out.”
Co-Leader of the Council and Labour Group, Councillor Ian Boulton, said: “The fact we’re able to collaborate cross party on this motion demonstrates how important an issue fly tipping is for our communities. Not only does this motion strengthen our commitment to tackling environmental crime, but also rightly draws attention to the innovative work we already do around this issue.”
Leader of the Conservative Group, Councillor Sam Bromiley, said: “The message is crystal clear – fly tipping will not be tolerated in South Gloucestershire. Fly tipping is a huge problem for our communities, and I’m pleased that by bringing this motion forward we have taken further steps to address the causes and catch the offenders.
“This motion centres on both prevention and on putting the council’s Environmental Enforcement service on firmer foundations for the future. I’m pleased to have voted in favour of it and to be able to say confidently: fly tippers, beware.”
The council will now begin work on implementing the motion’s proposals, including engaging with residents, partners and government to strengthen its approach to tackling fly-tipping and protecting South Gloucestershire’s environment.
Residents who see illegal fly-tipping are encouraged to report it by contacting the council’s StreetCare helpdesk on 01454 868000, emailing streetcare@southglos.gov.uk or visiting www.southglos.gov.uk/flytipping
