Fly-tipping figures fall across the region, but Oldham's spike by a whopping 275%

The number of fly-tipping incidents in Oldham has almost quadrupled in 12 months.

Whilst fly-tipping has fallen across the Northwest as a whole, Oldham shows a significant spike in the figures.

According to the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), there were 5,903 fly-tipping incidents in 2021/22, up from 1,572 in the previous year.

Across the northwest as a whole, a total of 128,426 fly-tipping incidents were recorded in 2021/22, down from 140,220 in the previous 12-month period.

Last month, Oldham's Liberal Democrats attacked the Council's record on Fixed Penalty Notices for fly tippers.

A Freedom of Information request showed the council issued only 64 littering fines in 2022, down from 194 in 2020, when covid restrictions were still in place.

The Council also confirmed that fewer fly-tipping fines were meted out – 33 in 2022, down from 50 in 2020.

Today (Thursday), Oldham Council insist that the DEFRA figures are a result of 'underreporting of flytipping incidents to Central Government'.

Councillor Hannah Roberts, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Oldham, like boroughs across the country, suffers from fly-tipping.

“However, thanks to Don’t Trash Oldham, we are being proactive about tackling the issue through support, education and enforcement.

“Since we launched the clean up campaign, more than 508 people have been fined for environmental crimes.

“The number of cases in Oldham has increased, but the large spike seen in the figures from the year 2020/21 to 2021 /22 is as a result of underreporting of flytipping incidents to Central Government – where evidence could not be found in 20/21 these are now included in 21/22.

“This has now been corrected so the 2021/22 figure and all submitted in the future accurately show all flytipping incidents reported within the borough.“

As well as posing significant and environmental health risks, fly-tipping can be a legal and financial burden.

Local authorities will pay the clean-up costs of clearing waste from public land, but farmers and other landowners have responsibility for cleaning and removing waste from private land.

In the wake of the government findings, an insurance specialist has called on landowners to double down on their efforts to keep environmental criminals at bay in a bid to maintain the positive trend.

John Murphy, of rural insurance broker, Lycetts, said: “The figures are very encouraging, but it is important that landowners continue to remain vigilant if the downward trajectory is to continue.

“Making it difficult for environmental criminals to access land is one of the most effective preventative measures you can take.

“Gates should be locked when not in use, fences should be in a good state of repair and hedges should be cut back to allow good visibility for property owners.

“Fly-tippers tend to operate under cover of darkness, so exterior lighting should be installed, if possible. 

"Security cameras can also be an effective deterrent, and can help secure successful prosecutions.”

To report fly tipping in the borough, visit www.oldham.gov.uk/DontTrashOldham. 

The Council are organising a 'Day of Action' on Friday, March 17 as part of Keep Britain Tidy’s national clean up event.

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