£75 littering fines to continue as Burnley Council extends private contract

On-the-spot £75 fines for littering or failing to clean up after a dog are to continue after Burnley Borough Council announced they have awarded a three-year contract to Kingdom Environmental Enforcement Services to carry out the campaign.
Burnley Borough Council have awarded a three-year contract to Kingdom Environmental Enforcement Services.Burnley Borough Council have awarded a three-year contract to Kingdom Environmental Enforcement Services.
Burnley Borough Council have awarded a three-year contract to Kingdom Environmental Enforcement Services.

Following a tendering process which commenced after the one-year pilot scheme with Kingdom ended in May of this year, the council have reaffirmed their commitment to cracking down on littering and dog fouling with a three-year extension of the private contractor's remit.

Over the 12-month pilot scheme, Kingdom issued approximately 5,300 £75 Fixed Penalty Notice fines, raising around £400,000 as the council sought to respond to concerns raised by residents, who frequently highlighted littering and those failing to clean up after their dogs as key issues.

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“Enforcement isn’t something we want to do," said Councillor Lian Pate, the council’s executive member of community services. "I’d rather we didn’t fine anyone for dropping litter or failing to clean up after their dog and in a perfect world we wouldn’t have to. Unfortunately we don’t live in a perfect world.

"We’ve tried other ways to persuade people to take responsibility for their actions but the problems still exist and we have to take tougher measures," Cllr Pate added. “The last year has seen improvements in the cleanliness of our borough and we are determined to ensure that continues. We’re delighted to continue our enforcement work with Kingdom."

The £75 fines are issued by Kingdom staff, who will continue to carry out patrols and identify 'hot spot' areas, issuing fines, and pursuing anyone who fails to pay their FPNs. The enforcement work is self-financing, with the costs of enforcement being met from the income from the fines.

Delroy McGee, regional operations director (North) for Kingdom, said: “We are delighted to continue working in partnership with Burnley Council, helping it to achieve a clean and tidy town.”

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Joanne Swift, the council’s head of streetscene, added: “Time and again residents tell us that dog fouling and littering are their main concerns. People should be aware that if they drop litter, or don’t clean up after their dog, they will face the prospect of it costing them £75.

"It’s a lot easier to drop litter in a bin, or make sure you have dog bags with you when you go out with your dog and dispose of them properly," Joanne added. “Most people are proud of their town and want to keep it clean and tidy.”