Environmental Improvements (Hansard, 3 July 2001)

§ Mr. Meacher

The Government place a high priority on improving the quality of the local environment.

(a) Graffiti—In addition to using the penalties available under the Criminal Damage Act 1971, the most effective way to tackle vandalism is through co-ordinated preventive action at local level involving all of the relevant agencies such as local authorities, schools and voluntary bodies as well as the police. The police and local authorities now have a statutory duty under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to develop crime reduction 132W partnerships. Police school liaison officers cover vandalism during regular visits to primary and secondary schools. The Government support the idea of Youth Action Groups in England and Wales and many have tackled issues like vandalism and graffiti. The Government are working with Crime Concern, the DfEE and the Youth Justice Board to develop the concept of these groups into the wider community.

(b) Litter—The Government grant funds to the Tidy Britain Group (TBG) who are the Government's recognised agency for litter abatement. TBG provides local authorities and others with advice on effective litter control techniques including design, sitting and maintenance of bins.

In addition, the Local Government Act 1999 introduced the new "duty of best value" from 1 April 2000. This requires that local authorities seek continuous improvement in the way they carry out their functions such as dealing with litter.

In March I announced three new initiatives to address litter within a wider context: Local Environmental Quality Pathfinder Programme—This involves up to 50 local authorities developing innovative Local Environmental Codes of Best Practice to tackle issues such as litter, fly-tipping and graffiti. £1 million has been secured for this programme, which is being co-ordinated by TBG on behalf of DEFRA. Voluntary Code of Practice for Fast Food Traders—Leaders of the fast food industry will work with DEFRA on a new, demanding code of conduct for the fast food industry. It will be based on best practice for preventing and clearing up litter in and around fast food outlets, minimise packaging, and support the use of recycled and environmentally friendly materials. Review of legislation—A new advisory group with all relevant stakeholders is being set up to review the existing legislation and make recommendations to government about the changes and additions that are required. The review will cover: litter in water; storage and collection of trade waste; the provision and use of civic amenity sites; fly tipping; the management of trade wastes, litter on private land; and making it easier for local authorities to prosecute offenders.

(c) Fly-posting—In October 2000 we published a Good Practice Guide to help local planning authorities control fly-posting.

(d) Illegal dumping of waste—The action being taken by the Government on illegal waste disposal was set out most recently in the Government's response to the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee's Report on the Environment Agency (CM 4832—paragraphs 55–60).