§ 200. Mr. David PorterTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what legislative proposals he intends to introduce to reduce litter.
§ Mr. TrippierThe proposals we intend to introduce in the forthcoming environment Bill, to improve the appearance and standards of cleanliness of public places were published in a consultation paper 'Action on Litter', a copy of which is in the Library of the House.
These proposals include a new duty on local authorities, statutory undertakers and owners of some other land to keep their land clear of litter. In carrying out this duty, these bodies will have to have regard to a code of practice issued by my right hon. Friend. If they fail to carry out the duty, an aggrieved person will be able to apply to the magistrates court for a litter abatement order compelling them to do so. We will also bring in tougher penalties for litterers: we intend to raise the maximum fine for littering from £400 to £1,000; and give local authorities powers to introduce a fixed penalty scheme for litter offences, similar to that already operating in Westminster.