Stephen Morgan MP has given his support towards new reforms set to tighten the net on Portsmouth’s waste criminals with tougher sentences for those illegally dumping waste, and advanced background checks to help put rogue operators out of business.
As part of the major crackdown on waste criminals, underpinned by the Government’s Waste Crime Action Plan, laws being laid will require waste handlers to prove they are qualified.
Mr Morgan takes complaints seriously about rogue operators dumping waste in Portsmouth and acknowledges the city’s fly-tipping incidents linked to unlicensed operators. That is why he has remained committed to taking action to address this issue.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Supporting Labour’s nationwide fly-tipping crackdown
- Hearing from constituents on local recycling and waste management during a Cuppa and Chat event
- Lobbying Portsmouth City Council to increase efforts to address illegal waste dumping
The current registration system is broken and outdated, relying on a basic registration process with limited background and identity checks. This flaw has been exploited by rogue operators with a poor track record of dumping waste and leaving a huge clean-up bill.
The new and tougher permit-based system will be brought into force in 2027, and requires waste handlers to undergo identity, criminal record, and technical checks before receiving a permit. They will also need to display their permit number in advertising, including on vans, making it easier for the public to report unlicensed operators.
For those mishandling waste, they will now face up to five years in prison. The move to permitting will also give the Environment Agency stronger powers to revoke permits and issue enforcement notices.
The Government is doubling the budget for waste crime enforcement, with a clear focus on targeting the organised criminal gangs that have exploited the Conservative’s system for years.
By combining stronger digital checks with increased enforcement capacity, these reforms will drive criminal operators out of the sector and restore confidence that waste is being handled safely and legally.
Commenting, Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South, said:
“Through these reforms, this Government is taking major steps towards making Portsmouth, along with other cities, cleaner whilst reducing the amount of rogue operators.
“Portsmouth deserves clean streets, fairness and justice regarding illegally dumped waste. Local people will know that in recent years our city has experienced an unfortunate rise in illegal waste dumping.
“This Government is aware that this does not end here and therefore will continue to take action to clamp down on illegal dumping of waste in Portsmouth, and the rest of the country.”
Waste Minister Mary Creagh said:
“Waste criminals have abused the system for too long, blighting our countryside and cities alike.
“Through our Waste Crime Action Plan, we’re introducing rigorous background checks for waste traders, shutting down corrupt operators and kicking them out of the industry for good.
“This is just one measure we’re introducing to stamp out waste crime, with law breakers now facing up to five years behind bars thanks to tougher penalties.”
