Defra’s consultation to understand how English litter authorities have used existing enforcement guidance and how they will be impacted by it becoming statutory, will close on Thursday 25 April.
In 2019, to support councils and others in implementing a responsible approach to enforcement against littering and other related environmental offences, Defra published improved guidance on the use of their enforcement powers and incorporated this guidance into the Code of Practice on Litter and Refuse.
In the Environment Improvement Plan and Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan, Defra committed to placing this litter enforcement guidance on a statutory footing. All litter authorities will have a duty to have regard to this guidance when exercising their litter enforcement functions.
Defra are inviting responses from all English local authorities, their representative bodies, other litter authorities and other relevant stakeholders. If you would like more information and to receive the consultation document, please email litter@defra.gov.uk.
