The proposal would see Fixed Penalty Notices for people caught illegally dumping waste rise from the current £400 to £1,000.
No party secured an overall majority in May’s borough election, meaning the minority Conservative administration will need support from other councillors for the proposal to become council policy.
The administration has chosen fly-tipping as one of its first priorities following its return to power, arguing tougher penalties will help deter offenders and improve the borough’s streets and public spaces.
Councillor Kevin Parry, Cabinet Member for Recycling and Streetscene, said:
“As the new Cabinet Member for Recycling and Streetscene, I want to build on my previous record of tackling fly-tipping and improving the streetscene.
“I introduced the £400 fine and cameras in the worst affected areas.
“I have taken the decision to go further this time and increase the maximum fine to £1,000. I want this fine to be a deterrent to stop those who take the decision not to dispose of their waste correctly.
“Those who decide to illegally dump their waste will be hit with a £1,000 fine.”
The Government increased the maximum fly-tipping Fixed Penalty Notice available to councils from £400 to £1,000 in July 2023, 3 years ago.
The document states that Swindon Borough Council currently offers a reduced payment of £300 if the existing £400 penalty is paid within 14 days, although it does not confirm whether a similar discount would remain if the higher fine is approved.
The proposal comes after a significant rise in recorded fly-tipping incidents across the borough.
According to published Government data referenced in the report, 3,405 incidents were reported in Swindon during 2023/24 compared with 1,930 the previous year.
The report notes that while the increase highlights the scale of the issue, it does not demonstrate whether larger fines alone reduce offending.
It also says the council has not announced any additional enforcement officers, cameras or investigative resources alongside the proposed increase.
Councillor Matt Vallender, whose Cabinet responsibilities include the town centre, criticised the previous Labour administration’s approach. He said:
“Residents and businesses have told us they want to see a cleaner, safer and more welcoming Swindon. Tackling fly-tipping is an important part of that work.
“Our town centre is a place for people to live, work, shop and spend time, and we are taking action to improve its appearance and make sure those who damage our shared spaces face consequences.
“We are determined to break with the previous Labour administration’s poor record on enforcement against fly-tipping.
“We are taking a more robust approach, using the powers available to us to hold offenders to account and send a clear message that environmental crime will not be tolerated.”
The proposal also highlights concerns about illegal dumping in rural parts of the borough.
Councillor Matt Hinton, who represents Chiseldon and Ridgeway, said:
“Fly-tipping along the Ridgeway and across our rural communities is a constant frustration for residents, walkers, farmers and landowners.
“People rightly take great pride in our beautiful countryside, and it is infuriating when criminals treat it as a dumping ground.
“Those who illegally dispose of waste often leave others to deal with the cost, inconvenience and environmental damage.
“Stronger fines and tougher enforcement are welcome steps in making sure offenders understand there are consequences.”
The report says the proposed increase will provide an early indication of whether the Conservative administration can secure enough support to pass key policies.
It also notes that the effectiveness of the measure will ultimately depend on how many offenders are identified and penalised, rather than the size of the fine alone.
