Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 4
4
Waste regulation as currently set up is not effective enough at stopping waste crime or...
Conclusion
Waste regulation as currently set up is not effective enough at stopping waste crime or non-compliance. Regulation of the waste sector is not adequately addressing the rising problem of illegal waste dumping. We are encouraged by the Environment Agency’s recent enforcement action at a permitted landfill site where there was large-scale pollution. However, the widespread and increasing issue of illegal waste sites surpasses the Environment Agency’s powers. The Agency lacks the option of enforcing civil powers against illegal sites and is restricted to the lengthier and more expensive route of criminal prosecutions. The Agency may have responded quickly once it got ‘confirmed intelligence’ about illegal dumping at Kidlington in Oxfordshire, but local bodies had been aware of the problem for weeks before that. However, this incident illustrates the gaps in its intelligence on this type of criminality and highlights how it lacks the ability to collaborate effectively with other bodies such as the police and local authorities. recommendation a. Defra should set up closer co-operation and sharing of intelligence between the Environment Agency, Local Authorities, the police and other agencies on illegal waste dumping risks. b. Defra should examine the potential for technology to improve response times when illegal activity occurs that affects the environment.
Government Response
Response Pending
HM Government
Response Pending
The government agrees with the Committee's recommendations. on illegal dumping, setting out government’s intention to strengthen intelligence capabilities to improve the detection of waste crime. Defra is investing in advanced technologies and with NPCC, are reviewing intelligence sharing between the Environment Agency, Local Authorities, the police, NCA and HMRC to ensure that enforcement bodies have access to the high-quality evidence needed for effective prosecution. Defra will evaluate the application of new technologies as it goes along, to understand their impact on response times. The Home Office and the National Police Chief’s Council will undertake a detailed review of the multi-agency response, which will strengthen the collective operational response, including the Joint Unit for Waste Crime. The Environment Agency is introducing a new Operational Waste Intelligence and Analysis Unit to bring together satellite, drone and visual imagery, financial and criminal data and other intelligence. The unit will spot unusual activity sooner, flag risks before they escalate and accelerate enforcement action. The Environment Agency has developed a screening tool which cross-checks Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) operator licence applications against the register of waste permit holders and waste carriers. This allows the identification of businesses that may be carrying waste illegally. HM Land Registry will support the Environment Agency in accessing land ownership data, meaning the Environment Agency will be better placed to identify unusual patterns at an earlier stage and combine this with other intelligence to trigger more timely interventions. Defra has set up a multi-disciplinary team with a key focus on how digital can support the delivery of its outcomes on waste and the circular economy. This Delivery Group is working with policy and operational colleagues to develop strategic roadmaps to deliver the department’s outcomes here which will inform the investment needed in digital services.