§ Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the total amount of fines levied against those prosecuted for littering offences in the United Kingdom was in each of the last five years; and if she will make a statement. [64732]
§ Mr. MeacherThe total amount of fines levied with respect to Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) issued for littering offences in England in each of the last five years was:
- No data in 1996–97
- £16,505 in 1997–98
- £63,240 in 1998–99
- £39,075 in 1999–2000
- £28,475 in 2000–01.
For those FPNs not paid within 14 days, offenders may then be prosecuted in a magistrates court up to a value of £2,500. Data for fines issued by a magistrates court show that during the year 1999 the total fine was £28,732, in addition to those listed. We do not hold data prior to, nor subsequent to 1999 for fines issued by magistrates courts for non-payment of fixed penalty notices.