FINES for fly-tipping and littering in the Forest of Dean are set to be increased substantially.

The maximum amount those caught fly-tipping could be fined will increase from £400 to a whopping £1,000, while those who drop litter or scrawl or spray paint graffiti face a penalty that has increased from £150 to £500.

The maximum for breaching the household waste duty of care – where householders must check that rubbish collectors they have contracted are bonafide – will also increase from £400 to £600.

The increases follow a change introduced by the Westminster Government covering England.

The council says these fixed penalty notices are appropriate for small scale fly-tipping but larger scale deposits will continue to be dealt with by resource to the courts.

The Forest of Dean Council’s Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities, Cllr Jackie Dale (Green, Pillowell), said: “Our Street Warden and Counter Fraud Enforcement teams work incredibly hard year-round to identify those responsible for littering and fly-tipping and use the evidence they find to help prosecute and issue fines to deter others.

“We have decided to increase the fines for those who break littering and fly-tipping laws to keep our communities and the environment safe, clean and tidy.

“If any resident finds a suspected fly-tip, please get in touch with our Street Warden Team so that it can be investigated quickly and correctly.

“Help us keep our Forest of Dean a place to be proud of and a beautiful and safe place to live.”

Illegally discarded waste can be reported through the environment section of the Forest Council’s website, www.fdean.gov.uk

Details on how to properly dispose of waste can also be found on the bins and recycling section of the website.