The measures will see strengthened enforcement powers, tougher penalties and better partnership working between agencies to disrupt waste criminals and prevent communities from being blighted by environmental crime.
Kent has long advocated a coordinated, intelligence-led approach to tackling waste crime. In July, KCC hosted a major Waste Crime and Fly-tipping Conference, bringing together local authorities, enforcement agencies, regulators, government representatives and industry partners to share intelligence, strengthen partnerships and develop practical solutions to combat environmental crime.
The conference reinforced Kent's position at the forefront of efforts to tackle waste crime and highlighted the importance of partnership working, intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement, principles that are now central to the Government’s strengthened national response.
Kent's expertise in tackling waste crime has also been recognised nationally, with the council helping represent local government perspectives at national events and workshops that have informed the coordinated model now being rolled out across the country.
Through its work with local authorities, the Environment Agency, police and industry partners, KCC has helped strengthen intelligence sharing and support enforcement activity to tackle waste crime across Kent.
The council has also welcomed the Government’s focus on addressing major illegal waste sites, including the site at Power Station Road on the Isle of Sheppey, which has been identified as part of the national programme.
“Kent has helped shape national thinking on this issue and, while Kent is not part of the first phase of the pilot programme, we stand ready to support its development and share our experience.”
Linden Kemkaran, Leader of Kent County Council, said: "We welcome the Government's determination to tackle waste crime and the organised criminal gangs behind it.
‘Waste crime is not a victimless offence. It damages the environment, impacts local communities, undermines legitimate businesses and can leave landowners and farmers facing substantial costs to clear illegally dumped waste from their land.
‘Kent has long championed the intelligence-led, partnership approach that is now at the heart of the Government's response. In July, we brought together partners from across the country at our Waste Crime and Fly-tipping Conference to strengthen that collective effort and share best practice.
‘We are pleased to see action being taken to address major illegal waste sites, including the site at Power Station Road on the Isle of Sheppey. Communities affected by waste crime deserve to see meaningful action and lasting solutions.
‘Kent has helped shape national thinking on this issue and, while Kent is not part of the first phase of the pilot programme, we stand ready to support its development and share our experience.
‘We will continue working with Government, enforcement agencies and local partners to ensure those responsible for waste crime are held accountable."
To find out more about the first fly-tipping and waste conference hosted by KCC, visit: Partners unite to tackle fly-tipping and waste crime across Kent - News & Features - Kent County Council
