When political commentators, politicians and the like turn their thoughts to key voter issues it is usually matters such as crime, health and education at the forefront of discussions. Whilst these so-called ‘bread and butter’ political issues have substantial weight with the majority of voters, it is often topics considered inconsequential in political debate that are central concerns for ordinary people. Fly tipping, litter, graffiti and dog fouling are localised problems that affect the quality of life of many on a national scale.
Cities, towns and villages across the country have their environment blighted by heaps of rubbish and litter, illegal fly posting and graffiti. Concern regarding antisocial behaviour in general, and litter and graffiti in particular, is prevalent as people want to assert their right to feel both safe and secure in their local community as well as being able to take pride in their surrounding area. The problem is often more acute on school routes and outside shopping parades, and the nuisance of litter and dog fouling is habitually associated with a decline in civic activity and pride in residential areas.
The question is how we tackle these types of antisocial problems. It is clear that more appropriate and effective means of preventing and punishing these environmental afflictions is required. A recent report published by the parliamentary Environmental Audit Committee recommends tougher action to tackle environmental crimes, citing the pivotal role that police community support officers and community wardens could play. The report ‘Fly-tipping, Fly-Posting, Litter, Graffiti and Noise’ finds that joint up action between local authorities, police community support officers and agencies on antisocial behaviour is working, and further encourages such action, alongside greater flexibility in penalties for enforcement authorities and an increase in community sentences so those who blight our communities are made to clear up their own waste and others’ as a punishment.
There has been much talk about the problems of antisocial behaviour over recent months but it is now time to back up the rhetoric with resources. In August a Home Office consultation ‘Modernising police powers to meet community needs’ put forward proposals that would provide police in England and Wales with the powers to arrest people for minor offences such as graffiti or litter. Under the new plans, all offences including minor antisocial behaviour ones, could in theory lead to an arrest, but there would be strict guidelines to determine whether arrest was appropriate. The authority of community support officers could also be expanded.
Indeed, a key part of tackling crime and disorder and improving the quality of life in our neighbourhoods is making sure that the police are empowered to act effectively and proportionately. Everyone in a community has the right to live in a safe, secure and comfortable environment and it is essential that police and other agencies and authorities are given the proper level of powers and resources to prevent and disrupt crime. It is considered that making minor offences arrestable could act as a deterrent as it would send a strong message to perpetrators. A greater visual presence of police community support officers and wardens could act as a further deterrent in forging the notion that an individual ‘could not get way with it’ and that penalties are enforceable.
A number of local authorities have introduced higher fines for litter dropping since April, when councils were given the right to impose £75 fines for people who drop litter or dog owners who refuse to pick up waste. Councils that have imposed the fines are reporting fewer problems since they were introduced and people have even been fined for dropping cigarette butts. These new abilities to fine people who drop litter has, in many areas, proved to act as a deterrent and it is hoped that it will improve the cleanliness of towns across the country, ultimately reducing the amount local authorities need to spend on street cleaning
There is no dispute that litter on our streets creates a terrible impression and contributes to a decline in the pride people have in their communities. The cost of removing litter runs into tens of thousands of pounds each year for many councils – money that could be invested in housing, education or health. Only by central government, police, local authorities, agencies and local communities working together will we really defeat this antisocial behaviour.