New strategy must support farmers and those who bear the brunt of flytipping

Responding to the Scottish Government’s new litter and flytipping strategy, published today, Scottish Liberal Democrat communities spokesperson Willie Rennie said:

“Our party has been calling for larger fines for offenders and support for farmers and landowners who suffer from flytipping for several years so it’s good that the Scottish Government are taking tentative steps.

“However our research has also revealed that despite more than 200,000 reports of flytipping flagged to local authorities in the past three years, just 45 were referred to the Procurator Fiscal. The Scottish Government must be prepared to go after the worst offenders and hit them in their pockets, including requiring a contribution from offenders to a new national fund available to help victims.

“After years of littering effectively being legal under this SNP government, it’s time to stamp out this blight on our beautiful country.”