Fly-tipping impact of DIY waste charges down-played as £500,000 savings goal is met

On April 1, 2018, new charges were brought in relating to DIY waste at Norfolk's tips, with the scrapping of a free allowance for construction and demolition materials.

Widespread fears were expressed in the run-up to the change that as a result, people would opt to fly-tip this waste rather than pay the new fees.

However, council officers have reiterated claims that this has not been the case - despite a year-on-year increase in incidents.

The issue was discussed by members of Broadland Council's scrutiny committee on Wednesday, at which Tony Garland, the councils environmental health officer, played down the link.

Joel Hull, head of waste at Norfolk County Council. Picture: Colin Finch (Image: Archant © 2007)

In the financial year following the introduction of the new charges, the district did see an increase in incidents - from 428 to 497 - however, this figure was still lower than the 588 reported in 2016/17.

He said: "While there was a year-on-year rise the number was still far lower than the number the prior to that, so we do not feel it has set a trend."

However, the figures presented only take into account fly-tips on council land and private land reported to the council.

Joel Hull, Norfolk County Council's head of waste, said: "Private land owners can report incidents of fly-tipping, but sometimes they do not do this."

Mr Hull added that the changes had achieved its ambition of providing £500,000 of savings for the county council - though it remains to be seen whether this will be replicated for a second year.

He added: "The charges are just there to cover the cost of disposing of the waste and do not make and profit, but the aim of saving more than £500,000 in the first year has been achieved."