Data released by Defra has shown that more people are being prosecuted for fly-tipping offences and overall incidences of fly-tipping are falling. Defra chief Caroline Spelman today promised to continue a crackdown on fly-tippers, whose actions cost the UK over £40 million each year.

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In all, local authorities in England reported around 820,000 incidents of fly-tipping between 2010 and 2011, suggesting that illegal dumping has decreased 13.5 per cent since last year. Although, as fly-tipping incidents increase over the winter period, countryside interest groups have warned farmers and rural residents to remain alert during the holidays.

Government figures show that incidences of prosecutions and spending by local authorities on addressing fly-tipping have both increased since 2010, which may have had an impact on the reduction in reported fly-tipping offences.

Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman said, "Dumping rubbish along highway verges and other public places is irresponsible, damages the environment and spoils everyone's enjoyment of the countryside.

"Fly-tipping figures are down and prosecutions are up, but the menace of fly-tippers still cost taxpayers more than £40 million every year. That's why we're cracking down by giving enforcement authorities stronger powers to seize suspected fly-tippers' vehicles, and working with the courts to make sure the punishment fits the crime."

As well as being given power to seize suspected fly tippers’ vehicles, the Environment Agency will consider re-evaluating fines to increase their deterrent effect.

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) welcomed the news that local authorities are clamping down on illegal dumping. The group called on farmers and landowners to report illegally dumped waste over the winter to enable council and police forces to measure the scale of the problem.  CLA President Harry Cotterell outlined the problems presented by illegal waste disposal, "Waste dumped illegally can contaminate land and rivers and threaten livestock and wildlife."

Ms Spelman said Defra is working with farmers and landowners to deal with problems associated with fly-tipping on their land.

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