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<p>The Secretary of State commissioned an independent review into serious and organised
crime in the waste industry which was published in November last year. The Resources
and Waste Strategy sets out our new strategic approach to tackling crime and poor
performance in the waste sector and actions in response to the recommendations of
the review. We will:</p><p> </p><ul><li><p>consult on a fundamental reform of the
waste carriers, brokers and dealers system to ensure that the supply of waste to criminals
is curtailed;</p></li><li><p>consult on mandatory digital tracking of waste movements;
and</p></li><li><p>work with the Environment Agency to create a Joint Unit for Waste
Crime to deal with the threat of serious and organised criminal gangs.</p></li></ul><p>
</p><p>These actions will build on the strong action we have already taken, including
by:</p><p> </p><ul><li><p>legislating to enable local authorities and the Environment
Agency to issue fixed penalty notices to householders who breach their duty of care
to only pass their waste to authorised operators who can dispose of it legally and
safely. The penalties came into force on 7 January this year;</p></li><li><p>enhancing
local authorities’ and the Environment Agency’s ability to search and seize vehicles
of suspected fly-tippers and introducing new powers for the Environment Agency to
block access to problem waste sites.</p></li><li><p>increasing the fixed penalties
for littering offence, and introducing new powers to tackle littering from vehicles.
From April this year, the minimum fixed penalty for littering will rise from £50 to
£65; and</p></li><li><p>consulting on improved guidance to litter authorities on the
proportionate and effective use of their enforcement powers. The new guidance will
be published shortly.</p><p> </p></li></ul>
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