The number of fly-tipping incidents has increased by a third since 2010, a new analysis by Labour has revealed.
According to figures from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), the number of fly-tipping incidents has gone up by a third over the last 13 years from 819,571 in 2010 to 1,091,019 in 2022.
In the last year, this equates to on average 125 incidents an hour or 2,989 a day.
The figures also show that the number of Fixed Penalty Notices for fly-tippers increased by 176% over the same period.
Data published in February by Defra showed a recent decrease in the number of fly-tipping incidents. In 2021/22 councils in England dealt with 1.09 million fly-tipping incidents – down 4% from the 1.14 million reported in 2020/21.
However, Labour’s analysis reveals a 33% increase in incidents since 2010.
Steve Reed MP, Labour’s shadow justice secretary, said: ‘The Conservatives have let neighbourhoods be buried under an avalanche of litter and dumped rubbish – leaving communities feeling broken and powerless down a spiral of decline.’
Labour said they planned to establish ‘clean up squads’ in England and Wales made up of fly-tippers, rubbish dumpers and vandals.
‘We will introduce clean-up squads to ensure those who make the mess, clean up the mess,’ said Mr Reed.
The Government has been contacted for comment.
