Update: 9 July 2018: The NFU has now submitted its response to the call for evidence. Read more here.
The NFU is asking members to send in evidence of the types and impacts of serious and organised waste crime by Friday 29 June.
Defra has said the review will:
- Consider the types of crimes being committed and organised crime groups involved
- Consider the environmental, community and economic impacts of serious and organised waste crime
- Consider how the Environment Agency, other organisations, and the law enforcement system can work together to tackle the threat
- Make recommendations for a strategic approach to serious and organised waste crime
The review will inform Defra's strategic approach to waste crime, which will be published in the government’s upcoming resources and waste strategy.
Robert Lockhart, NFU Environment Forum member, said:
“We welcome Defra working towards tackling what is a huge and alarmingly intensifying problem for farmers. We would urge that Defra continues to push for authorities, the Environment Agency and the police to collaborate to investigate these often complex crimes. The NFU has already been working closely with Defra to provide evidence and policy to help stop the scourge of waste crime, and we hope to further highlight the key issues.”