Prime minister to shut down illegal waste gangs
The prime minister announced a national enforcement package to close down criminal gangs running illegal waste sites, combining more drones, greater police and National Crime Agency involvement, and increased frontline Environment Agency staff. Fines for illegal dumping will rise to a maximum of £5,000 from £300, and authorities will expand asset seizures and use new powers in the Crime and Policing Act 2026 to speed confiscation order enforcement. A regional approach will give mayors and council leaders lead roles, and a new Waste Crime Crackdown Group chaired by Environment Secretary Angela Eagle will coordinate regulators and law enforcement. The government is funding clean-up of three additional priority sites containing around 22,000 tonnes of waste.
Government increases fines and enforcement to tackle illegal waste crime
Context
The government has a Waste Crime Action Plan and is stepping up enforcement. The plan adds regional leadership and new powers. Next, regional teams may clear sites and share intelligence.
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